EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin warns states against data-center bans, citing U.S. competition with China

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin on Sunday warned against state-level bans or moratoriums on data centers, arguing that such limits would harm the United States as it competes in artificial intelligence development with China.

In remarks reported by The Hill, Zeldin said there has been “a push” from some states to consider statewide moratoriums. He framed his comments as a response to concerns about the environmental and infrastructure impacts of new facilities, while stating that he believes most of the country wants to ensure the buildout continues rather than impose a sweeping pause.

Zeldin’s argument tied data-center permitting and construction to national capacity for AI. He said the issue should be considered in the context of the United States “outpace” effort in the AI race, and he specifically cited the role of China in that competition as a reason to avoid policies that would constrain technological and computing infrastructure.

The comments were made as data-center projects have increasingly become part of state and local policy debates, including issues such as land use, electricity demand, and wastewater and emissions concerns. Zeldin’s warning did not, in the reported account, identify which states are pursuing moratorium proposals or describe any specific state law or regulation by name.

Zeldin also indicated that the approach should account for broader national interests rather than rely on blanket state restrictions. He suggested his assessment was based on what he said he found in his discussions and review of the issue across the country.

As of the time of the report, Zeldin’s comments function as an early warning to policymakers considering restrictions, but they do not by themselves change any federal rule or directly preempt state actions. Any movement toward a moratorium or ban would continue to depend on state legislatures and regulators, with separate litigation and administrative processes likely if bans are challenged.

For its part, EPA oversees environmental regulation and enforcement, and the agency’s leaders often weigh in on major permitting and infrastructure questions. In this instance, Zeldin’s stated focus was not on a specific enforcement action, but on the policy choice of whether to halt or restrict data-center development during ongoing demand for AI infrastructure.