DEQ hears opposition to Amazon air quality permits at public hearing

A public hearing hosted by the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality on July 30 in Rockingham, North Carolina, drew significant opposition to air quality permits for an Amazon data center complex. The facility is under construction at the Energy Way Tech Campus south of Hamlet, Richmond County. Residents and environmental advocates voiced strong health concerns, particularly regarding the operation of numerous diesel generators proposed by Amazon and temporary ones by Duke Energy.

Amazon's permit application details plans for 588 diesel/renewable diesel-fired emergency generators across 21 buildings, while Duke Energy seeks approval for 54 temporary non-emergency engines to provide interim power. Speakers, including William Ingram, co-founder of the Richmond County Coalition for Justice and Black Empowerment, and Jasmine Washington, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, criticized the projects. Washington argued that splitting the permits could help avoid stricter environmental and health requirements, potentially impacting a community with vulnerable populations.

Opposition also highlighted a perceived lack of transparency from the Richmond County Board of Commissioners and county government regarding the initial project approval, citing non-disclosure agreements. Commissioners Andy Grooms and Jamie Gathings, who attended the hearing, acknowledged citizen concerns. Grooms pledged to investigate safeguards, while Gathings, who voted for Amazon previously, expressed a desire to see project outcomes before supporting further data center developments.