Former EPA officials warn of health risks from US data center surge
The report cites 30 federal actions and says data center pollution could cause 1,300 premature deaths and more than $20 billion in annual health costs by 2028.
- On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Network, a nonprofit of former Environmental Protection Agency staff, released a report warning that rapid data center expansion poses significant air pollution and public health risks.
- President Donald Trump's administration has rolled back environmental regulations and implemented an "AI Action Plan" to expedite data center permitting while reducing Clean Air Act oversight for energy projects.
- Research cited in the report estimates data center-related air pollution could contribute to roughly 600,000 asthma symptom cases and up to 1,300 premature deaths, imposing more than $20 billion in annual public health costs by 2028.
- Dr. Lynn Goldman, a pediatrician and former EPA assistant administrator, warned that the federal agency is "doing the opposite" of its mission by prioritizing industry needs over critical pollution safeguards.
- Lawmakers including Bernie Sanders introduced the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Moratorium Act, while polling shows 68% of likely voters support pausing development until strong safeguards exist.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Trump is giving data centers a pass to pollute
President Donald Trump is weakening environmental regulations in the name of speeding up the construction of AI data centers, raising health risks for Americans, a cadre of former EPA officials said this week in a briefing and new report. They are urging - perhaps futilely - the president to adopt a "Data Center Health Protection […]
Trump EPA Accused of Endangering Public as Study Highlights 'Hidden Health Costs' of Data Centers
The Environmental Protection Network's AI data center report details Trump administration actions "that could increase pollution-related health risks, weaken protections that would otherwise reduce those risks, or shift more costs onto families and communities."
Former EPA officials warn of health risks from US data center surge
A group representing more than 800 former Environmental Protection Agency employees is warning that the rapid expansion of U.S. data centers could worsen air pollution and public health risks, particularly as the Trump administration rolls back environmental regulations and seeks to speed up facility approvals, The New York Times reports. A report from the Environmental […]
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