Trump Administration Considers Rule to Limit Public Input on Data Center Permits

The Environmental Protection Agency held a public hearing on a proposed rule change that would give states the authority to determine how the public participates in the permitting process for new sources of air pollution, specifically minor sources like gas plants and diesel generators used to power data centers. Currently, major polluters are subject to federal and state review, but minor sources have less oversight. The change could reduce public notice and community input, as many communities have used the permitting process to slow data center development. Vanessa Lynch of Moms Clean Air Force testified that people want a say in such decisions. Companies like xAI and Meta have used minor source permits to build behind-the-meter gas plants for data centers.