Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Environmental Quality
 
Board
Air Pollution Control Board
 
Guidance Document Change: DEQ Guidance Memo APG-578 addresses the use of emergency generators in the case of “sudden and reasonably unforeseeable events” as the result of a planned electric outage.
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11/29/25  12:47 pm
Commenter: Anonymous

Data Centers use of Diesel Generators
 

I am disappointed to hear that Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is considering a change that would allow data centers to run their diesel backup generators during *planned* outage events. Your mission is to “protect and enhance the environment of Virginia” and its vision of “better air quality” for all Virginians, not to allow Data centers to use diesel generators to pollute our environment. Why isn't the DEQ requiring strict cleaner alternatives? I believe large tech companies are targeting Virginia with the sudden rise of data centers. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality needs to make stand and protect Virginia's natural resources and the citizens who live here.

CommentID: 238118