Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin pushed back on Sunday against proposals to impose statewide moratoriums on data center construction, warning that such moves could cede the United States' lead in artificial intelligence to China.
Speaking on John Catsimatidis's "Cats Roundtable" radio show on WABC 770 AM, Zeldin said he has seen growing support for restrictions in some states but believes most Americans want the U.S. to prevail in the global AI competition. "Most of this country wants to make sure the United States wins this race to be the AI capital of the world, that we do not relinquish this to China," he said.
At the same time, Zeldin acknowledged that residents have legitimate questions about how data centers are built, particularly regarding rising energy costs and environmental impacts. A Fox News poll from late July found that 70% of voters oppose having a data center built in their area to support AI, and 78% favor slowing construction to address these concerns.
The issue has become a flashpoint in the midterm elections, with President Trump pushing for more data centers while encouraging companies to sign his ratepayer protection pledge. So far, Meta, Amazon, Google, and about 100 other firms have agreed to cover the increased energy costs associated with their facilities.
Zeldin stressed that responsible development is key. "We have to make sure that these projects are a net provider onto the grid, not a net taker," he said, adding that data centers should use 100% recyclable water—or no water at all—and be "responsible users of water."
But he rejected the idea of halting construction altogether. "What we can't do is just say, well, let's not have any data centers built all across the entire country and let's just let China win," he said.
The EPA administrator urged Americans to recognize how much daily life already depends on data centers, from cloud storage to streaming services. He called for asking tough questions and building responsibly, but ultimately ensuring the U.S. stays ahead. "Let's make sure that we win this race in the United States," he added.
The debate over data centers is playing out in key races. In Michigan, Republican candidate Tom Rogers has backed a year-long freeze on new data centers, while some Democrats argue that limits must not cede the AI lead to China. The tension reflects a broader struggle between local concerns and national competitiveness.
Zeldin's remarks come as the Trump administration continues to prioritize AI infrastructure, even as community opposition grows. His comments signal that federal officials are wary of state-level restrictions that could slow the industry's expansion.
