ESA Section 7 consultation
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or NOAA Fisheries when an action they fund, permit or carry out may affect listed species or critical habitat. A data center triggers it through a federal nexus, such as a Section 404 permit. Projects without a federal nexus still must avoid unlawful take of listed species.
The full guide · Environmental & physical riskEndangered Species Review for Data Center Sites: What Triggers It and What to CheckHow the Endangered Species Act affects data center sites: IPaC screening, Section 7 vs. Section 10, critical habitat, bat clearing windows and the 2026 harm rule.