The Trump Administration Wants to Change Public Engagement Rules for Polluters

The Trump administration is considering an EPA rule change that would let states, not the federal government, decide public notice and comment rules for some minor air permits.

If finalized, the change could reduce community input on permits for gas plants and diesel generators used by data centers.

Residents and advocacy groups in states with weaker notice rules could find it harder to learn about and challenge new polluting facilities before construction.

The rollback could also speed development of data center infrastructure that relies on on-site gas or diesel power.