Zeldin Warns Against US Data Center Ban, Highlights AI Race with China

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s administrator, Lee Zeldin, cautioned on Sunday against a nationwide ban on data centers, arguing that such a move would undermine America’s position in the global artificial‑intelligence race. He said the United States must balance environmental concerns with the need for a robust digital infrastructure that can compete with China’s rapidly expanding AI capabilities.

Zeldin noted that several states have proposed statewide moratoria on new data‑center construction, citing the sector’s high energy use and carbon footprint. However, he highlighted that most of the country supports continued development of these facilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining energy supply, job creation, and technological innovation. The administrator urged policymakers to pursue targeted environmental regulations rather than blanket bans, suggesting that incentives for renewable energy integration and energy‑efficiency upgrades could mitigate environmental impacts while preserving competitiveness.

In closing, Zeldin stressed that the U.S. must avoid policy decisions that could slow the growth of its AI ecosystem. He called for a collaborative approach between federal, state, and industry stakeholders to ensure data‑center expansion proceeds in a manner that safeguards both the environment and the nation’s strategic interests in artificial intelligence.