The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving forward on several fronts that could affect how environmental policy is developed and implemented. Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced actions to expedite chemical reviews for data center construction, proposed revisions to how existing chemicals are evaluated under federal law, and completed a six-month internal review that has led to structural changes in how scientific research is organized within the agency.
Expediting Data Center Construction
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin recently convened an Artificial Intelligence roundtable at the White House, gathering data center and AI leaders to discuss the Trump administration’s plan to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure.
Following this event, the EPA announced it will fast-track reviews under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for chemicals used in data center construction and manufacturing of components, such as cooling systems, semiconductors, and power infrastructure.
This prioritization begins with submissions received on or after September 29, 2025.
New Chemical Review Rule Proposed
Not only will the EPA expedite chemical reviews for AI infrastructure, it is also proposing a new rule to revise how it conducts risk evaluations for chemicals already in the marketplace under TSCA.
- The amendments would update the evaluation process for existing chemicals.
- The 45-day public comment period is now open under docket EPA-HQ-OPPT-2025-0260.
- The full text of the proposed changes is available online.
EPA Restructuring
These organizational changes come after the completion of a six-month internal review, which Administrator Zeldin described as the start of a “new, more efficient, more effective EPA.” The transition will play out through the end of November.
The most significant change is the elimination of the Office of Research and Development (ORD). Its functions will be absorbed by the newly created Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES), housed within the Office of the Administrator. Under this reorganization, scientific research will broadly be directed from the Administrator's office.
“We are bolstering scientific capacity where it matters most — directly in our air, water, and land program offices — so that EPA scientists can better-support EPA’s core mission and statutory obligations,” Administrator Zeldin said. “We are prioritizing research through the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions to ensure that science is at the forefront of our decision making.”
Why does all this matter for local government?
With this latest slate of deregulatory actions, local governments could see changes in how chemical safety guidance is issued and enforced, especially in areas like waste management, public health, energy production and emergency response.