Ohio EPA smart to take measured approach to data center permitting

Ohio's Environmental Protection Agency made an important decision this week when it opted NOT to proceed with a proposed statewide wastewater discharge permit for data centers. It is encouraging to see the agency understands the importance of reviewing this sort of thing on an individual, case-by-case basis. "After carefully reviewing the significant volume of public comments received on the draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System general permit for data centers, Ohio EPA has decided not to move forward with finalizing the general permit," the agency said Tuesday, according to a report by WSYX. Issuing individual permits — and therefore, presumably, examining each set of circumstances — is an important way to ensure the data center industry does not avoid scrutiny that may be warranted at different levels in different communities. Ohio EPA officials reminded the public their decision does not mean weakening protections. In fact, each permit will still be required to meet the same state and federal environmental standards required under the Clean Water Act, according to WSYX. There are already more than 200 data centers in the state. As many as 80 more are planned or have been formally proposed through 2030. Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered the Ohio Tax Credit Authority to pause any new sales tax exemption requests from those hoping to build a data center here. It only makes sense the EPA would also want to take a more measured approach to the permitting process. Good for them.