Datacenter developers accused of skirting key US pollution rules

Firms manipulating process to avoid emission controls and scrutiny of their projects, environmental groups warn

Datacenter developers are manipulating the EPA’s air pollution permitting process to avoid emission controls and scrutiny of their projects, environmental advocates allege.

Companies need federal permits to emit a range of pollutants. In their permit applications, some in big tech are avoiding “major” reviews by dividing their emissions sources into separate, multiple “minor” sources that require less regulatory oversight, the advocates say.

This helps datacenters avoid public scrutiny, and permit applications are typically approved much faster. It also likely saves tech companies money, and avoids the hassle and cost of potential pollution controls, advocates say. Datacenters can be significant sources of nitrogen oxide, ozone, heavy metals, particulate matter, greenhouse gas and other dangerous air pollutants.

In North Carolina, Amazon and utility giant Duke Energy are installing 649 diesel generators to back up a new hyperscale center. They submitted two permits, and avoided a major review despite being in a low income area that already suffers from high levels of air pollution.