AFPI Responds to the Ohio EPA’s Proposal on Water Discharge for Data Centers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) released the following joint statement from Jason Hayes, Director of Energy and Environment, and Travis Ricketts, State Action Manager for AFPI Ohio, in response to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to streamline state permitting for discharges into the states rivers and streams: 

“The Clean Water Act ensures that any discharge into America’s rivers and streams is thoroughly reviewed to protect water quality,” said Hayes and Ricketts. “The Ohio EPA’s proposal would create a one-size-fits-all system that risks ignoring site-specific environmental concerns. There is no evidence that data center developers have requested such broad permits—many already work with regulators to build closed-loop systems that recycle cooling water. Ohio can attract investment while maintaining protections for clean water. The Ohio EPA should withdraw this proposal.” 

AFPI supports smart permitting policies that balance efficiency with careful environmental review to preserve the integrity of America’s natural resources.