The Trump Administration’s Data Center Push Could Open the Door for New Forever Chemicals

The Trump administration's push to expedite the review of new chemicals for data centers has raised concerns among experts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is prioritizing the assessment of these chemicals, which could potentially lead to the rapid approval of new types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals." These chemicals are highly persistent and can accumulate in the environment and human bodies, posing significant health risks. Experts warn that the limited oversight and rushed approval process could result in the introduction of new PFAS with limited understanding of their long-term effects. The data center industry has been increasingly reliant on PFAS-based products for their fire suppression and heat management systems. The administration's efforts to streamline the approval of these chemicals have raised concerns among environmental and public health advocates, who argue that the potential risks outweigh the benefits of expediting the process.