The government wants data-center air permits to skip the public hearing

The Story

EPA is moving to drop the federal rule that states must publicize and take comment on “minor source” air permits — the bucket that covers data-center diesel generators. Communities fighting AI buildout could lose the only notice they get before construction. The comment period on the proposal already closed 21 August; a decision is next. Northern Virginia’s backup generators alone are compared to a mid-sized coal plant.

Why It Matters

Not another “AI uses power” essay — you already made *The Cloud Has a Smokestack*. This is the new event: the hearing room itself is being deleted so the smokestack can be approved in private.

Evidence

New York Times (25 Aug); Tom’s Hardware (26 Aug); 14 state AGs + 3 cities opposed. HN ~96 pts.

Sources

Daily scan: 2026-08-26

• nytimes.comhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/25/climate/epa-data-centers-public-comment.html
• tomshardware.comhttps://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/data-centers/u-s-govt-moves-to-suppress-pushback-on-data-centers-by-removing-requirements-for-public-input-on-pollution-epa-change-would-allow-air-pollution-permits-without-publicizing-them