Amazon data center violates air permits in multiple ways
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management found that Amazon's data center near New Carlisle violated air emissions permits for its diesel backup generators. Although no legal action will be taken at this time, the agency warned of future action if violations continue. A nonprofit group, Citizens Action Coalition, highlighted these violations as a pattern of noncompliance and called for a statewide data center moratorium.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has cited Amazon for multiple air emissions permit violations at its data center near New Carlisle. Regulators found that Amazon installed 1,600-kilowatt generators despite only being approved for 1,500-kilowatt units. Additionally, the company failed to submit an Affidavit of Construction before operating emission units and experienced exhaust temperature sensor failures in its emissions control system on four dates in late 2023.
While Amazon has reportedly stated that corrective actions are ongoing, IDEM's South Bend regional office informed the company via a June 8 letter that no legal action would be pursued at this time. However, the agency warned that it may take future action if Amazon continues to violate its permits.
Ben Inskeep, program director for the nonprofit Citizens Action Coalition, criticized Amazon's actions, stating that the violations fit a pattern of noncompliance by the company. The organization is advocating for a statewide data center moratorium in Indiana, emphasizing that "Amazon is not above the law and they don’t get to have special rules just for them because they’re a large tech company."