EPA's Troutman Vows Robust Reviews Amid Data Center Expansion Concerns
Douglas Troutman, Trump's nominee for assistant administrator for toxic substances, has assured lawmakers that the EPA's reviews will remain robust despite plans to speed up the process. Meanwhile, the proliferation of AI data centers is causing energy bills to rise for Americans, with global energy use by these facilities projected to more than double by 2030.
Troutman, a former chemical industry lobbyist, committed to following federal toxic safety laws and regulations in chemical reviews. He plans to work with EPA program staff to ensure understanding and adherence to relevant laws and rules if confirmed. Sen. Ed Markey expressed concern that 'big tech bosses' could influence the EPA to bypass regular review protocols for chemicals in data center projects.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the EPA wants to 'get out of the way' of reviewing chemicals for safety in data center projects to accelerate their buildout. However, Sen. Cynthia Lummis interpreted this as planning to prioritize reviews rather than completely 'get out of the way' of chemical reviews. The EPA plans to prioritize reviews of new chemicals used in data center projects.
A bipartisan House bill introduced last month aims to address rising utility prices in rural areas caused by AI data centers. Markey has criticized the Trump administration's AI Action Plan for potentially compromising environmental regulations to expedite data center expansion.
The EPA's plans to streamline chemical reviews for data center projects have raised concerns among lawmakers. Troutman's commitment to following safety laws and the EPA's pledge to prioritize reviews aim to balance the need for efficiency with the protection of public health and the environment.
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