EPA Comment Party (Monday Eve)
The EPA is proposing to eliminate minimum federal public participation requirements for many "minor source" air pollution permits, the very permits often used for diesel backup generators at data centers. If adopted, communities could lose guaranteed notice and the opportunity to comment before new pollution sources are approved.
Join us for a Comment Party designed to help you learn about the proposed rule and submit your comments before the August 21 deadline.
We'll kick things off with a brief presentation from Malachi Key (Air Alliance Houston), explaining what the proposed rule would change, why it matters for communities facing data center development, and how to write an effective public comment. We'll also provide talking points and resources to help you craft comments in your own words.
After the presentation, the session becomes an open house. Drop in whenever you can, stay for as long as you need, and visit the breakout room that best fits your needs. Whether you want technical guidance, feedback on your draft, help navigating the submission process, or simply a quiet place to write alongside others, we'll have people available to support you every step of the way. We'll keep a running tally of comments submitted during the event and celebrate every submission together!
Whether you've never submitted a public comment before or you've done dozens, this is an opportunity to take action for your community.
What to Expect
A brief overview of the proposed EPA rule and why it matters
Talking points and guidance for writing an effective public comment
An open-house format—come and go as your schedule allows
Breakout rooms for:
Technical Questions – Learn about the proposed rule and ask questions
Comment Drafting & Peer Review – Get feedback and support on your comments
Quiet Writing Room – Independent writing space with others working alongside you
Submission Support – Get help submitting your comments before the deadline
A chance to celebrate every comment submitted during the event
Staff from the following organizations will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions, provide technical assistance, review comments, and help participants successfully submit their comments before the deadline: