In a memo addressed to administrators earlier this month, EPA said the guidance is in response to inquiries about the applicability of the acid rain regulations—including one involving a third-party-owned, islanded data center. These emissions are the primary precursors of acid rain, according to EPA’s website. “The guidance expands opportunities for companies to develop and operate islanded power generation facilities for data centers,” EPA said in a statement. “Massive fossil power plants shouldn't get a free pass just because they are attached to data centers, and we will continue to push back against these reckless pollution passes being handed out to data centers and defend our public health and environment.” EPA’s guidance aligns with President Donald Trump’s recently expanded Ratepayer Protection Pledge to support communities that "welcome” data centers.