North Carolina Residents Oppose Amazon Data Center Power Permits

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality held a public hearing on July 30 in Rockingham to review air quality permits for a proposed 650-acre Amazon data center campus in Hamlet. The project would feature 21 buildings powered by nearly 600 diesel generators for emergency backup, while Duke Energy has requested permits for approximately 60 leased generators to provide temporary power until permanent units are online.

Local citizens and environmental advocates, including Clean Water for NC and the Richmond County Coalition for Justice and Black Empowerment, opposed the development. Opponents cited existing air and water pollution in Richmond County, noting that CDC data describes the area as one of the least healthy ranges in the state. Residents expressed specific concerns regarding noise and the health risks emissions pose to the elderly and those with medical conditions.

Amazon countered these concerns by stating the campus emissions would be a fraction of legally allowed levels. The company also pledged to fund a new fire substation and cover two years of firefighter salaries. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is currently reviewing the Title V permit applications and expects to reach a final decision within 45 days.