Trump’s EPA Seeks Looser Construction Rules for Gas Plants, Data Centers and Factories

Inside Climate News · By Charles Paullin · last updated May 11, 2026 – 4:19 PM

Changes would allow companies to begin more construction before an air permit is issued—ramping up the pressure for permit approval.

By Charles Paullin

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced proposed changes Monday that would allow gas power plants, data centers and factories to begin construction on non-polluting components such as piping, wiring, cement pads and other support structures before obtaining air-emission permits.

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