A new rule proposed by the Trump administration aims to eliminate public notification regarding air pollution from datacenters, according to public health advocates. This change could allow emission permits to be issued without public oversight.
Datacenters are frequently sources of pollutants including nitrogen oxide, which contributes to ozone formation, carbon monoxide, and heavy metals. Under the current Clean Air Act, "minor" air polluters are required to disclose their proposed emissions to the public through state agencies. However, the proposed rule from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would remove this requirement for datacenter proposals, making disclosure voluntary at the discretion of state and some local officials.
Observers suggest that many state political establishments support datacenters, making it unlikely that most would voluntarily require large technology companies to disclose this information. Joe Goffman, a former assistant administrator for the EPA’s office of air and radiation, stated that the move is likely intended to reduce criticism and public oversight of datacenters.
Without this data, communities may not be aware of the air quality once a datacenter is operational, potentially reducing their ability to challenge issues in court or through public relations. Goffman noted that the Clean Air Act is intended to provide the public with a voice on such matters.