A recent EPA proposal could allow states to issue permits for some large-scale infrastructure projects — like data centers — with no public notice, worrying environmentalists who are hoping public backlash could slow or stop contentious projects popping up in communities across the United States.
EPA’s July 1 draft rule would scrap federal requirements that states and tribes provide notice and take comment before permitting “minor” pollution sources under the Clean Air Act’s New Source Review program. States could still offer those opportunities, but the federal agency would no longer mandate them as a condition of authorizing states to grant permits.
EPA said the move would empower states and “responsibly speed up permitting, supporting American economic development and energy dominance.”
But advocates say the proposal would let states with weak public protections rush out permits for pollution sources like data centers, power plants or incinerators without consulting or even informing front-line communities.
