EPA plan could reduce public scrutiny of Georgia data center air permits
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A Trump administration proposal to eliminate a federal requirement giving the public notice and an opportunity to comment on air-pollution permits could reduce the scrutiny of diesel generators backing up data centers, advocates warn.
Why it matters: Data centers are big business in Georgia, and the obscure "minor-source" permitting process can be one of the few chances for the public to scrutinize a project's pollution plans.
Catch up quick: In July, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials proposed eliminating minimum federal public-participation requirements for "minor-source" air permits, which can cover everything from factories to the generators used by data centers.
- States would instead decide "whether, when and for how long" the public can comment on those permits, the agency said.
Between the lines: Though some data centers are building their own on-site power plants to meet their energy needs, most of the developments tie into the electric grid.
- When the power goes out, the generators come on. Large campuses can propose dozens or hundreds of diesel generators — the emissions from which, when combined, can require a state air permit.
By the numbers: A Columbus Ledger-Enquirer review of Georgia EPD records found 20 minor-source permits for diesel generators at data centers were approved since January 2025, compared with 17 from 2014 to 2024.
What they're saying: "The issue is whether air-pollution permits that sources have to get before they're constructed or modified ... can be issued in secret, or if they have to go out for public notice and comment," Southern Environmental Law Center attorney Keri Powell told Axios.
The big picture: Public participation gives residents and environmental groups an opportunity to scrutinize pollution estimates and flag potential problems for regulators.
Zoom out: The EPA proposal isn't limited to reviews of data center generators.
- Powell says those same reviews have helped environmental groups challenge permits for wood-pellet plants and scrutinize a Newton County "pop-up power plant" that the Georgia EPD later ordered to halt construction.
The other side: The EPA says eliminating the federal mandate would reduce what it says are administrative burdens and let state and local regulators decide which minor-source permits warrant public participation.
Reality check: Georgia could keep its existing requirements. To make changes, the state would need to undergo a public review and receive EPA approval.
- An EPD spokesperson did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
What's next: The public comment period on the rule change ends Aug. 21.