EPA says power for data centers can sidestep pollution laws

The EPA issued guidance clarifying that the Clean Air Act's Acid Rain Program does not apply to "islanded" power generation facilities—those not connected to public electricity grids—allowing data centers to generate their own power with fewer pollution regulations. This decision expands opportunities for companies to build data centers more quickly and flexibly while supporting President Trump's Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which requires companies to fund their own energy infrastructure.