EPA's Zeldin Rejects Broad Data Center Rules as Only 37% Back Local Projects
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 10
EPA's Zeldin Rejects Broad Data Center Rules as Only 37% Back Local Projects
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 10
Summary
Zeldin said the EPA will not impose across-the-board data center regulation, arguing facilities differ too much in cooling systems, power needs, water use and local environmental conditions.
Closed-loop designs that avoid regular water withdrawals and voluntary deals with major tech and AI companies to fund grid upgrades were cited as reasons broad federal rules are unnecessary.
EPA's role is usually limited to permitting input and technical advice rather than brokering agreements between developers, utilities and communities, Zeldin said.
The stance fits the agency's broader accommodation of AI-driven power demand, including eased diesel-generator guidance and pollution rollbacks for some coal plants kept open to serve data centers.
Public resistance remains a hurdle: a POLITICO poll earlier this year found just 37% of Americans would support a data center being built in their area.