Fierce Opposition to Amazon, Duke Energy’s Secret Data Center Plans to Produce Power with 649 Dirty Diesel Generators
Two weeks ago, several hundred Richmond County residents were joined by environmental advocates from across the state at a public hearing in Rockingham. They gathered to oppose air permits at a massive hyperscale data center, where Amazon and Duke Energy will collectively operate 649 diesel generators, spewing dangerous levels of soot and greenhouse gasses.
According to records from N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), Division of Air Quality (DAQ), Amazon initially tried to keep its application confidential. However, NCDEQ would not approve that request without additional justification. Amazon then resubmitted its application without confidentiality and revealed the full extent of its plans.
Beginning Construction Without Permits
Michelle “Meech” Carter, NCLCV’s director of clean energy campaigns testified at the hearing, pointing out numerous violations of the Clean Air Act, according to EPA policy. First and foremost, Amazon has already begun construction without first gaining approval for its air quality permits.
More importantly, Carter pointed out that Duke and Amazon are trying to evade more stringent review by applying separately for permits. Duke is applying for 57 diesel-fired non-emergency generators on Amazon’s property to provide primary power for the data center for up to one year, as well as 9 diesel storage tanks. Simultaneously, Amazon is applying for installation and operation of 592 diesel emergency generators and 21 bulk storage tanks, each holding 12,000-gallons of low-sulfur diesel fuel.
Carter and others testified that separating the generators at the same site into two air permit applications appears to be an attempt by Amazon and Duke to evade the heightened air quality requirements and pollution limits that would apply if the pollution from these generators were considered together. Collectively, the generators will emit massive amounts of air pollution and greenhouse gasses.
Protect the Health of North Carolinians
Carter concluded her testimony by calling on NCDEQ to fulfil its mission to protect the health of North Carolinians, especially the residents of Richmond County who will be directly impacted by this soot-filled air. “Computer servers don’t breathe this air, and neither do the Amazon employees in Seattle or the Duke Energy employees in Charlotte who submitted these applications. NCLCV is asking DAQ employees to follow federal and state laws and deny these permit applications to protect our air and our communities.”
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) also testified at the hearing on behalf of numerous clients. “One of the wealthiest companies in the world can and should do better than trying to evade critical air quality protections,” said Caroline Cress, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center in associated comments. “We hope this blatant attempt to avoid responsibility for emitting a significant amount of harmful air pollution is not an example of what North Carolina communities should expect from data centers and regulated monopoly utility, Duke Energy.”
Secret Plans And No Public Input From the Start
Amazon’s reported $10 billion data center was hidden from the public from the start. Even the county commissioners who approved the sale of public land, along with significant tax breaks, didn’t know who was behind the deal and what the end use was until afterwards.
Richmond County is already the site of significant industrial pollution and negative air quality impacts. Sources in the county include two rock quarries, an asphalt plant, a company that processes wood pellets, a facility that turns railroad and landscaping ties into biochar, a poultry slaughterhouse and a natural gas power plant. Duke owns the gas plant that will ultimately serve the data center. However, until it can be connected, the 57 diesel generators will provide power.
Get Engaged
The work continues and we will keep fighting on behalf of North Carolinians’ right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and not pay higher power bills to support rich tech companies and Duke Energy’s profits. Help us oppose data centers in NC by becoming a recurring donor today!
