EPA Puts Spotlight on New Chemicals Used in Data Centers
The Environmental Protection Agency announced last week that it will prioritize review of new chemicals essential to the construction and operation of data centers, creating a fast-track program to accelerate approvals (Manufacture Dive).
- The NAM praised the administration’s Executive Order 14318, aimed at speeding data center development, noting that it aligns with many of the NAM’s AI permitting policy recommendations.
What’s going on: Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, companies must submit premanufacturing notices before bringing a new chemical to market. The EPA now will prioritize reviews for new chemicals identified as critical to data center projects to support U.S. technology infrastructure.
- Chemicals used directly in data centers as well as in the manufacturing of covered components are eligible for prioritization.
- As defined by the aforementioned EO, covered components include everything from energy infrastructure, to semiconductors, to networking equipment and more.
Why it’s important: New chemical reviews at the EPA have not been keeping up with the pace of innovation. By creating a priority track, the EPA aims to strengthen competitiveness and position the country as a global hub for AI.
The NAM says: “More efficient chemical reviews will accelerate U.S. manufacturing innovation and the deployment of cutting-edge equipment and components critical to data centers, enabling an innovation renaissance for energy infrastructure and storage, semiconductors, data storage hardware and more,” said NAM Director of Chemicals, Materials and Sustainability Policy Reagan Giesenschlag.