The Trump administration is considering a rule change that would allow polluters, specifically those powering data centers, to bypass public notification with minimal oversight. This shift could significantly alter how communities are informed about new or expanded facilities.

Under the Clean Air Act, companies must get permits for air pollution sources, but major and minor permitting processes have different levels of scrutiny. Major sources undergo federal and state reviews, while minor ones often face less stringent oversight. As data centers sprout across the US, communities are using permitting processes to resist new developments.

The proposed rollback would empower states to determine public engagement in certain cases, potentially leading to a patchwork of regulations that vary widely from one jurisdiction to another. This could result in some communities receiving little notice about polluting facilities being built nearby, while others might still enjoy robust participation opportunities.

Environmental advocates are concerned, especially in states with less stringent rules. In Georgia and Kentucky, for instance, public notification processes differ significantly. The rule change could also align with the administration’s push to make the US a leading hub for artificial intelligence, easing barriers to data center construction.