"The EPA administrator discussed deregulation and energy demand over lunch with Republicans."

"Data centers, permitting reform and nuclear energy were on the menu Wednesday afternoon as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin lunched with congressional Republicans in the Capitol basement.

The House’s Republican Study Committee, a 190-member group advancing conservative policy priorities, hosted Zeldin, a former House member, for a conversation that focused on energy demand and deregulation, according to four people who attended the meeting.

Also in attendance was Ruth Porat, president of Alphabet, the parent company of Google. The company is investing billions of dollars on data center needs and lobbying Congress on overhauling the federal permitting process as it expands its artificial intelligence products."

Andres Picon reports for E&E News January 14, 2026. [2]