Trump is giving data centers a pass to pollute

Former EPA officials from the Environmental Protection Network warn that the Trump administration is weakening environmental regulations to accelerate AI data center construction, which increases pollution and public health risks. They highlight 30 federal actions since January 2025 that exacerbate these risks, including relaxing pollution limits, curtailing renewable energy projects, and exempting existing facilities from standards. A July 2025 AI Action Plan recommends streamlining regulations under the Clean Air Act and other laws to expedite permitting. This approach encourages new fossil fuel infrastructure to power data centers and revives production of "forever chemicals" for AI chips. A cited study estimates air pollution from AI could cause up to 1,300 premature deaths and over $20 billion in health costs by 2028. The group urges adopting a "Data Center Health Protection Pledge" to prioritize public health, while the EPA maintains it is returning to a proper reading of environmental laws.

(Source：The Verge)