EPA Urged to Reject New PFAS for Datacenter Cooling 2026

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) faces mounting pressure as 17 environmental groups urge rejection of a new PFAS chemical, Opteon 2P50, proposed by Chemours for datacenter cooling. This PFAS, a 'forever chemical,' could pollute communities near data centers if approved, raising serious health and climate concerns.

Why Environmental Groups Oppose Chemours' PFAS Approval

The coalition, led by Earthjustice, filed formal comments accusing Chemours of relying on flawed science to downplay the chemical's toxicity and global warming potential. They argue that approving the application would violate environmental laws, as the chemical is likely more hazardous than claimed.

Opteon 2P50 is the first chemical to seek fast-track approval under a recent executive order expediting datacenter chemical reviews. This has alarmed advocates who see it as a dangerous precedent for bypassing rigorous safety assessments.

The Role of Datacenter Cooling in PFAS Pollution

Major tech companies, including Google, promote two-phase cooling systems as water-saving alternatives. However, these systems often rely on PFAS gases, which are potent greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants. Lenny Siegel of Chips Communities United notes, 'Some are toxic, some are greenhouse gases and some are both.'

This hidden trade-off means datacenters may reduce water usage but introduce persistent chemical contamination, affecting air and water quality in surrounding regions.

Health and Environmental Risks of PFAS

PFAS, a class of about 16,000 compounds, do not break down naturally and accumulate in humans and ecosystems. They are linked to cancer, liver disease, kidney issues, and other serious health problems. The proposed chemical could exacerbate these risks if released during cooling operations or disposal.

Key Takeaways for Communities and Policymakers

• PFAS in datacenter cooling poses serious health and environmental risks.
• Fast-track approvals may bypass essential safety reviews.
• Communities near datacenters face potential contamination.
• Transparency about chemical use is critical for public trust.

What's Next for the EPA's Decision?

The EPA must weigh the industry's push for expedited approvals against public health safeguards. The outcome will set a precedent for future chemical reviews, especially under executive orders aiming to accelerate datacenter infrastructure.

Advocates urge the agency to reject the application and demand comprehensive testing. Meanwhile, Chemours maintains its product is safe, but the coalition's evidence challenges that claim.

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