MD OKs 99 Diesel Generators at Amazon Data Center

The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) has approved a highly contested air quality permit, allowing Amazon to install 99 diesel-fired backup generators at a data center site near Adamstown, Maryland. The permit was applied for in October of what appears to be 2024 (as stated in the transcript, though this date may be a verbal error) for a planned data center named Bucksite 1 at the Quantum Frederick campus. This decision has drawn significant attention due to the environmental and noise concerns associated with the large, diesel-powered generators. While Amazon was not available for comment, the county indicated that efforts have been made to ensure the generators are as quiet as possible. The discussion also briefly touched upon the broader issue of data centers potentially having their own power plants, with a mention of nuclear-generated power as a potential idea for the future. However, for now, the MDE's approval means Amazon is cleared to proceed with the diesel generators.