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New York blocks new hyperscale data centers for a year
7 days ago
- New York imposes a one-year moratorium on large data center construction to address environmental and energy grid impacts.
- Gov. Hochul signed an executive order, creating the first statewide ban on hyperscale data centers over concerns like power use and water supply.
- The move fuels debate on AI regulation, balancing environmental risks with economic benefits and tech sector growth.
- Political implications arise as Hochul faces reelection, with Democrats addressing utility affordability and adjusted climate goals.
- Opposition includes criticism from the Data Center Coalition and Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman, who favors local deals for economic gains.
EV battery recycling has a math problem
7 days ago
- EV battery recycling faces economic challenges, with some salvage yards paying to dispose of batteries rather than making money.
- Valuable minerals like nickel and cobalt are being replaced by cheaper iron phosphate in newer batteries, reducing recycling profitability.
- Colorado passed a law requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for recycling EV batteries, aiming to prevent environmental hazards.
Admin officials kill proposed rules for PFAS-contaminated sewage fertilizer
a day ago
- The Trump administration cancelled proposed regulations for PFAS-contaminated sewage sludge used as fertilizer on farmland, a practice linked to health and environmental harms.
- The EPA discarded its scientific research supporting the regulations, arguing sludge is not a widespread threat because it is mostly used on farms, despite advising the public to research sludge companies for safety.
- PFAS are 'forever chemicals' associated with serious health issues like cancer and birth defects, and sludge, a mix of human and industrial waste, is rich in nutrients but often contaminated with toxins.
- In its final days, the Biden administration issued a draft health risk assessment finding PFAS levels above 1 ppb in sludge increase cancer risks to farmers, which would have limited sludge use if implemented.
- The EPA's new assessment claims sludge is used on only 1% of farmland, but no agency tracks its spread, and most states do not test contaminated lands, despite evidence of migration and pollution.
- The waste management industry opposes regulations and lobbies the EPA, while public health advocates criticize the decision for prioritizing polluters over farming families and rural communities.

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#environmental policy

New York blocks new hyperscale data centers for a year

EV battery recycling has a math problem

Admin officials kill proposed rules for PFAS-contaminated sewage fertilizer