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EPA Issues Clarification to Help Power Data Centers, Ensure U.S. Is the AI Capital of the World
EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released important clarifying information in the form of FAQs with specific guidance to help ensure data centers and power companies have reliable power to maintain America’s lead on artificial intelligence (AI). Reliable, affordable power is vital to powering data centers as any loss of power can result in devastating impacts. To ensure there is reliability of the electricity grid, EPA is providing a regulatory interpretation of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) while evaluating more substantive changes. EPA has determined that certain engines can operate for up to 50 hours per year in non-emergency conditions to supply power for our nation’s grid and maintain reliable service as part of a financial arrangement with another entity.
“The Trump Administration is taking action to rectify the previous Administration’s actions to weaken the reliability of the electricity grid and our ability to maintain our leadership on artificial intelligence,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “This is the first, and certainly not the last step, and I look forward to continue working with artificial intelligence and data center companies and utilities to resolve any outstanding challenges and make the U.S. the AI capital of the world.”
As part of Administrator Zeldin’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, EPA is committed to working with partners to unleash all forms of domestic energy to drive down costs, increase energy supply, and improve our grid security.
On January 15, 2025, Duke Energy submitted a request to the agency for interpretation that their PowerShare Mandatory 50 demand program meets the criteria for operation of stationary emergency engines under existing EPA regulations, and EPA’s regulatory interpretation confirmed that Duke Energy’s program meets the criteria.
For a copy of the supporting FAQs with specific guidance, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/stationary-engines/national-emission-standards-hazardous-air-pollutants-reciprocating-internal-0
Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE) are used in a variety of applications from generating electricity to powering pumps and compressors in power and manufacturing plants. The engines are also used in emergency events, such as fires or floods. Thousands of these engines are located across the country.
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