Nearly 200 Groups Urge EPA to Preserve Public Participation in Air Permit Process

A coalition of almost 200 environmental, health, and community organizations submitted comments to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday, urging the agency to retract a proposal that would eliminate the minimum public participation requirements for air pollution permits. The permits in question are commonly used for data centers, power plant expansions, and other industrial projects. The coalition argues that maintaining public input is essential for ensuring community concerns and environmental safeguards are considered in the permitting process. The EPA’s proposal, if adopted, would reduce the level of public engagement required for these permits.