EPA Exempts Islanded Data Center Power From Acid Rain Rules

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued guidance stating that power-generation facilities operating independently of the public grid, including those dedicated to data centers, are not subject to the Clean Air Act Acid Rain Program. EPA says the interpretation can accelerate data-center and AI infrastructure development while limiting pressure on regional grids and residential ratepayers. The agency says facilities that later connect to the grid may become subject to the program.