Sierra Club: Meta is underestimating emissions from its Hyperion data center
The Sierra Club is challenging Louisiana's approval of revised air permits for Meta's Hyperion data center in Richland Parish, arguing the facility's emissions are underestimated. The group contends the facility should be classified as a major source of pollution due to emergency generators and natural gas boilers. They are advocating for on-site air monitoring, battery storage, and a public hearing on the permit revisions.
The Sierra Club is actively challenging the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality's approval of revised air permits for Meta's Hyperion data center in Richland Parish, Louisiana. The environmental group asserts that the facility's emissions have been significantly underestimated, contending that by excluding emissions from emergency diesel generators and including 44 natural gas water boilers, the project's total emissions would exceed the 100-ton annual threshold for a minor source permit, necessitating a major source classification.
Meta maintains that its diesel generators are for emergency backup only and do not operate continuously, asserting full compliance with all federal, state, and local air quality regulations. The Sierra Club is advocating for stricter oversight, urging the DEQ to mandate on-site air monitoring, explore battery storage as a cleaner energy alternative, and conduct a public hearing to review the permit revisions.
Separately, emissions from 10 natural gas turbines being constructed by Entergy to power the facility are not included in this permit and will be addressed through a distinct permitting process.