The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a focus on expediting the regulatory review of chemicals intended for use in data centers and related projects. This decision aligns with the Trump administration’s broader deregulatory efforts, including the relaxation of clean water regulations and opening up public lands to coal mining, aimed at facilitating the expansion of data centers.
Greg Schweer, former EPA chief of the new chemicals management branch, noted a potential shift in approach, stating, “I think they want to impose as few restrictions as possible on chemicals.” The EPA’s prioritization of new chemical reviews aims to address a backlog that has accumulated since a significant reform in 2016, reflecting the administration’s commitment to streamlining regulatory processes.
This policy change has drawn attention for its potential implications on chemical safety and oversight. Critics express concerns about the expedited approval of chemicals, including substances with long-lasting environmental impacts. The administration’s regulatory stance, influenced by industry feedback and aimed at bolstering American manufacturing and technological dominance, underscores the evolving landscape of chemical regulation in the US.
Source: WIRED