Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin stated Sunday that the United States should avoid banning the construction of data centers. During a radio appearance, Zeldin argued that such bans could hinder the country's ability to compete with China in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The comments come as several states consider statewide moratoriums on data center construction. Residents in various regions have expressed concerns regarding the environmental impact of these facilities and their potential to increase local energy costs. A Fox News poll from July reported that 70% of voters oppose building data centers for AI in their local areas, while 78% support slowing construction to address community and environmental issues.
Zeldin stated that while the U.S. aims to be the "AI capital of the world," the government must address "important questions" about how these facilities are built. He suggested that data center projects should function as "net providers" to the power grid rather than "net takers." Additionally, he called for the responsible use of water, including the use of 100% recyclable water or waterless cooling systems.
The development of data centers has become a significant topic in upcoming midterm elections. President Trump has encouraged the expansion of these facilities while asking corporations to sign a "ratepayer protection pledge" to mitigate rising costs for consumers. According to the report, Meta, Amazon, and Google are among 100 companies that have voluntarily agreed to pay for increased energy costs under this initiative.
Beyond individual utility bills, the issue involves significant environmental considerations regarding local resources. Residents would notice changes in land use and potentially water availability, as data centers often require substantial amounts of water for cooling. Zeldin’s proposal for "net provider" status suggests a shift where these facilities might be required to contribute power back to the grid or implement 100% water recycling, which would change the operational requirements for tech companies and the infrastructure present in local communities.
The push for data centers is being framed by the administration as a national security priority in a technological race against China. If statewide moratoriums are successfully implemented, it could establish a legal precedent for local control over digital infrastructure that conflicts with federal economic and security goals. The specific impact on midterm elections remains to be seen, but the outcome of these races may determine whether state-level bans or federal expansion efforts prevail. The Trump administration’s voluntary ratepayer pledge is currently active, and its effectiveness in preventing price hikes for residents will likely be monitored through the end of the year and into the next legislative session.