Sierra Club alleges Meta data center pollution permit undercounts emissions in Richland Parish, Louisiana
The Sierra Club is challenging an air pollution permit approved by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality for Meta's Hyperion data center in Richland Parish. The environmental group alleges that Meta's permit application incorrectly calculates and undercounts the facility's potential emissions by excluding certain sources. The Sierra Club is calling for a more stringent major source permit, air monitoring, and a public hearing.
The Sierra Club has formally challenged a Clean Air Act permit revision approved by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) for Meta's proposed Hyperion data center in Richland Parish. The environmental group argues that the permit, issued in June, incorrectly classifies the facility as a 'minor source' of air pollution, claiming that a more restrictive 'major source' permit is warranted due to undercounted emissions.
Margie Vicknair-Pray, projects coordinator for the Sierra Club Delta chapter, stated that the project's emissions clearly exceed the minor source threshold and called for lawful pollution limitations and a public hearing. The Sierra Club asserts that Meta's application excludes emissions from 10 natural gas-fueled turbines being built by Entergy Corp. to power the facility, as well as undercounts emissions from the emergency operation hours of 31 diesel generators and 44 natural gas water boilers. The LDEQ has not yet responded to the Sierra Club's comments, while a Meta spokesperson indicated the company works closely with regulatory authorities to comply with air quality and permitting requirements.