EPA Issues Air Permit Guidance to Speed Data Center Projects (1)

The Environmental Protection Agency released new guidance Tuesday providing companies the flexibility to start building certain foundational elements before obtaining a Clean Air Act permit, a move the agency says is aimed at promoting AI data center development.

Facilities can begin pre-permit construction on items “not related to air emissions,” under the guidance, according to an agency press release.

The guidance falls under the New Source Review process, which companies must undergo in order to break ground on new, stationary operations.

The EPA said it will initiate rulemaking that adjusts the definition of “begin actual construction,” under current New ...