EPA plans reforms to accelerate data center construction

The Environmental Protection Agency intends to reform permitting rules to speed up U.S. data center construction.

The move is intended to reduce delays to data center and related power generation projects. New rules would allow construction that does not affect air emissions, such as installing cement pads, to be initiated before a Clean Air Act permit is issued.

EPA says it will launch a rulemaking process to clarify the definition of “Begin Actual Construction” under New Source Review (NSR) pre-construction permitting rules, distinguishing between emissions-related and non-emissions-related activities.

The EPA said the reforms are aimed at supporting growth in data centers, manufacturing, and energy infrastructure. The measures are also part of the Trump administration’s strategy to boost industrial capacity and promote artificial intelligence investment.