Richmond County Residents Oppose Amazon Data Center Power Permits

More than 100 residents of Richmond County, North Carolina, attended a public hearing on July 30 to oppose air quality permits for a massive Amazon data center campus in Hamlet. The project involves 21 buildings on a 650-acre site, with the company seeking Title V permits to install nearly 600 diesel generators for emergency backup. Simultaneously, Duke Energy has requested permits for approximately 60 leased generators to provide temporary power until permanent units are operational.

Environmental advocates, including Clean Water for NC and the Richmond County Coalition for Justice and Black Empowerment, argue that the region cannot sustain additional industrial pollutants. They cited existing air and water pollution, noting that the area is among the least healthy ranges in the state according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Residents specifically raised concerns regarding noise and the health risks posed to elderly citizens and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Amazon countered these claims by stating that the campus emissions would be a fraction of legally allowed levels and pledged to fund a new fire substation, including two years of firefighter salaries. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is currently reviewing the permits and expects to reach a final decision within 45 days. The deadline for the public to submit comments on the draft permits was July 31, 2026.