Critical
Data Center Dynamics
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) has filed a complaint alleging that Duke Energy and Amazon sought to bypass Clean Air Act requirements at a data center under construction in Hamlet, North Carolina. The SELC claims that separate permit applications for 649 diesel generators - 592 from Amazon and 57 from Duke Energy - were submitted to avoid stricter air quality regulations. Richmond County, where the data center is located, ranks among North Carolina's most economically disadvantaged areas, raising concerns about the local environmental impact. Duke Energy has denied the allegations, stating that its generators are temporary and leased to provide power until the site is connected to the grid.
If regulators impose stricter conditions, this case could set a precedent for how emissions compliance is enforced at large-scale data centers. The outcome may influence operational strategies for utilities and technology companies relying on diesel backup power in similar projects.