EPA Considers Eliminating Emission Limits Amidst AI's Growing Energy Demand

The EPA is considering a plan to eliminate all limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, according to documents obtained by The New York Times. This move comes as the power industry is already a top source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, a key driver of climate change. The increasing reliance on data centers by artificial intelligence technology further amplifies the energy demand. Kenza Bryan, climate reporter for The Financial Times, stated, "Their environmental impact is huge and it's growing." The situation highlights a critical challenge in balancing technological advancement with environmental protection. Ireland's proposed regulation requiring new data centers to provide their own electricity generation capacity offers a potential solution that other countries might consider.