A coalition of over 800 former Environmental Protection Agency employees has warned that the health consequences of data centers are being exacerbated by Trump administration policies weakening pollution safeguards. In a report released Thursday, the Environmental Protection Network examined pollution from power plants, gas turbines, and diesel generators needed to meet surging electricity demand. The report listed 30 federal actions taken by the Trump administration that would increase pollution-related health risks.

This builds on academic modeling projecting that data center air pollution could contribute to roughly 600,000 asthma symptom cases, 1,300 premature deaths, and over $20 billion in annual public health costs by 2028. Former E. P.

A. Assistant Administrator Dr. Lynn Goldman the former E. P.

A. employees note that these estimates do not account for the rollback of environmental regulations under the Trump administration, which could further increase emissions and health risks. Dr. Lynn Goldman, a pediatrician and former E. P. A. assistant administrator and member of the group, warned these decisions can affect what Americans breathe, what gets into our water and soil, and ultimately what can make its way into our food supply.

The E. P. A. did not respond to a request for comment.

Data centers are the target of a national backlash focused on economic concerns, job loss, noise, energy costs, and water use. More than 1,300 data centers already operate in the United States, and more than 2,000 more are planned, according to Cleanview. Despite this, polling shows the majority of Americans oppose data centers in their communities, elevating the issue ahead of November's midterm elections.

President Trump has held steadfast in his support of A. I., recently lashing out at protesting communities on his Truth Social site. While the president has acknowledged families should not bear higher electricity bills, the former E.

P. A. employees argue that protecting families from pollution, illness, and medical costs warrants the same urgency. Under President Trump, the E.

P. A. has made establishing the United States as the "A. I. capital of the world" a central goal, making it easier for data centers to run certain kinds of emergency generators that burn diesel fuel and emit soot, nitrogen oxides and other harmful air pollution.