Former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials have raised concerns that President Donald Trump's push to relax environmental regulations in order to speed up the development of AI data centers could pose health risks to Americans. This warning was included in a recent briefing and report released this week, which highlights the potential consequences of reduced oversight on air and water quality, as well as the management of hazardous waste. The officials are calling on the administration to adopt a "Data Center Health Protection Pledge" to signal a commitment to addressing these environmental concerns. The report underscores the rapid expansion of AI data centers, which require significant energy and resources, often leading to increased emissions and environmental degradation. As these facilities grow, so does the concern over their impact on public health, particularly in areas where they are constructed. The officials argue that weakening environmental standards could lead to higher pollution levels, which in turn could affect the health of nearby communities. At the beginning of his administration, Trump's EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, expressed a goal of making the United States "the AI capital of the world" through deregulation. Since then, Zeldin and the White House have worked to roll back numerous environmental regulations, aiming to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for industries, including those involved in AI and data center development. This approach has drawn criticism from environmental groups and former EPA officials who believe it prioritizes economic growth over public health and environmental protection. The debate over the balance between economic development and environmental protection has intensified as the demand for AI infrastructure continues to rise. While proponents argue that relaxing regulations can foster innovation and job creation, critics warn that the long-term consequences on health and the environment could be severe. As the administration moves forward with its policies, the call for a formal pledge to safeguard public health from potential environmental risks is gaining attention.