The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to remove a requirement that states seek public feedback on air pollution permit applications for "minor sources," including data centers, according to The New York Times. The change would eliminate the mandatory 30-day public comment period, shifting oversight to states. Critics warn this undermines transparency as AI data center expansion accelerates.

Harvard School of Public Health estimated the Vantage data center in Loudoun County, Virginia caused $53 million to $99 million in annual health damages — the largest single-facility estimate ever. Researcher Michael Cork's analysis influenced Fluvanna County, Virginia to deny a fossil fuel plant expansion tied to data center demand. Attorneys General from 14 states and three cities opposed the move, stating even "minor" sources pose significant health impacts and that removing public input serves "administrative expediency" for AI infrastructure buildout.

Loopholes already exist: in Gilroy, California, an Amazon data center began construction last month after a years-long city approval process let the comment period lapse two years prior. In Festus, Missouri, residents sued over insufficient review time. The EPA proposal could take effect within a year, though states may retain stricter standards.