I disapprove of allowing increased use generators by data centers. The additional solution is not tolerable.

Do not allow this change to happen, as it literally harms public health and puts profit over people. These companies can and should seek better alternatives, but they refuse to. 

DEQ,

Let me strongly oppose the use of diesel generators at Data Centers in Virginia.

Diesel fuel is very polluting in several ways. Its disperses toxic fumes into the air, and eventually the water and soil, causing significant health problems for Virginia citizens, esp children.  It also is a Greenhouse Gas that worsens Climate Change.

We can not ignore the health and climate concerns of Diesel Fuel. I am shocked that you consider increasing its use.  And its use is completely unnecessary since solar and wind, with storage batteries, are more economical and do not cause air pollution or climate change.

As a retired pediatrician, I have seen the consequences of air pollution on my patients

Please do your part to protect Virginians from this heavily polluting fuel. 

Thank you,

Elizabeth K Williams, MD, FAAP [retired]

Hold data center operators to the tightest standards.  Public should not have to absorb excess pollution from regulations that are too soft

Pollution  caused by diesel motors/generators is well known and documented.  Adding hundreds of huge diesel motors exhaust contamination to a community can be devastating to air quality and environment.  Data centers had the opportunity to use solar energy and backup battery storage to provide emergency standby power for their centers but they did not.  Communities surrounding the data centers should not have to suffer poor air quality and noise pollution because of the data centers poor planning and lack of concern for the local communities.

Please deny any request to operate these generators for any extended period of time not currently allowed.

Respectfully,

Mike O'Brien, Colonel, US Army, Retired

Data centers should have proper power backups incase of emergencies and should not be allowed to use diesel generators or any form of generator which pollutes the air.

Please forbid the construction and use of polluting diesel generators at data center sites.  There are cost-effective and non-polluting alternative sources of power that don''t cost consumers more in electricity fees and provide ample power to batteries.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed change that would expand the use of data center backup diesel generators to include planned outage events. The current regulation, which restricts the use of these generators to "sudden and reasonably unforeseeable events" or maintenance, correctly reflects their status as one of the most polluting forms of energy generation and must be upheld.

The DEQ's primary mission is, and must remain, protecting public health above all else. This proposed change, which would allow data centers to potentially turn on hundreds to thousands of diesel generators for foreseeable events, directly compromises this core responsibility by significantly increasing air pollution and putting the public at greater risk.

The stated reason for this proposal—expediting timelines and avoiding more expensive, less-polluting alternatives—is a matter of utility convenience and cost savings, not public health necessity.

The emergency generator allowance should not be broadened to include planned outage events. Planned outages, by definition, provide operators with sufficient time to seek alternative, less-polluting options, such as:

• Renting mobile Tier IV gas generators with superior pollution controls.

• Retrofitting existing Tier II generators with SCRs (selective catalytic reduction systems) to meet higher emission standards.

Broadening this allowance will contribute to more unnecessary pollution and sets a dangerous slippery slope. It could lead to future proposals to use these generators for demand response during periods of grid stress, which is fundamentally not their intended emergency use and would transform backup power into regular operational power.

If DEQ chooses to move forward with any change that would permit the use of these polluting generators during planned outages, it must incorporate strict limitations and regulations to mitigate the inevitable public health impact:

1. Tier II Generator Restrictions near Sensitive Receptors: Tier II generators must be prohibited from being run for planned outages near “sensitive receptors,” including schools, hospitals, parks, trails, and residential areas.

2. Public Notice Requirement: The public must be given clear, advanced notice about where and when these generators will be running, and for how long they will be utilized.

3. Daily Site Inspection and Monitoring: Each site where emergency generators are running for a planned outage should be inspected daily to monitor fuel usage and operational hours. Furthermore, each site must be equipped with continuous air quality monitoring for the entire duration of their usage, with data made immediately public.

Diesel emissions are bad for children and other living things. There are alternatives. 

please stop the use of diesel  generators at data centers.

I oppose dirty diesel generators for use by data centers. It's time for Virginia to put its foot down on allowing this industry to use an exorbitant amount of our state's resources AND pollute our air at will. Enough is enough.

Please do not approve the use of generators by data centers during planned outages.  This is far too broad and unlimited.  It will risk the health and welfare of residents near and far from the data centers due to the pollutants generated. At most, only tier IV generators should be allowed, if at all, to run more often during planned outages. The prospect of longterm cumulative use of generators must be very limited due to their inherent pollution. 

Environmental quality over corporate greed! Stop the proliferation of these useless eyesores and energy hogs.

I am opposed to the additional use of diesel generators. No matter where these data centers are the exhaust with all its toxins will spread over the entire region.  There must be a better, more responsible way to meet these needs.  

I respectfully urge the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to reject any proposal that would broaden the emergency generator allowance to include planned outages at data centers. Doing so would conflict directly with DEQ’s primary mission: to protect public health and our environment above all other interests.

The current emergency-use allowance exists for a clear and narrow purpose — to preserve critical infrastructure in the event of unexpected power failure. Expanding this definition to permit diesel generator use during planned outages undermines both the intent of the rule and the health protections it provides. Diesel generators emit particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants known to increase rates of asthma, heart disease, respiratory illness, and premature death. Allowing this additional pollution when it is not absolutely necessary contradicts the precautionary approach that should guide DEQ’s work.

Furthermore, if this rule is expanded now, it places us on a dangerous slippery slope. Once planned outages are accepted as a permissible justification for diesel generator operation, it is not difficult to imagine renewed pressure to allow their use for demand response during periods of grid stress — a scenario fundamentally outside the intended purpose of emergency backup systems. This would create an unacceptable pathway for normalizing diesel generator use as a routine operational tool rather than as an emergency-only measure.

However, if DEQ nonetheless decides to allow such usage, which again, I urge that it dos not, strict limitations and oversight must be required to protect public health:

1. Tier II generators must not be permitted to operate near “sensitive receptors,” including schools, parks, hospitals, trails, or residential neighborhoods. These are places where children, seniors, and medically vulnerable people live, play, or receive care — the very populations DEQ is obligated to protect most rigorously.

2. The public must be informed in advance when and where these generators will be operated, including expected duration and number of units running. Communities deserve notice so they may take steps to limit exposure, track health impacts, or ask questions about air quality.

3. Daily on-site inspections should be mandatory when generators operate for planned outages, ensuring accurate tracking of fuel usage and compliance with operating limits.

4. Air-quality monitoring equipment must be installed for the full duration of generator operation and the resulting data made publicly accessible in real time.

In short: If this rule is changed, it must come with transparency, accountability, and measurable safeguards. Otherwise, we risk creating an incentive structure that favors frequent generator use rather than clean energy solutions or better grid planning. But, I want to stress again, my position is that DEQ should not change this rule. 

Ultimately, Virginians deserve to breathe clean air — not just when the grid is stable, but when it is stressed; not just in emergencies, but as an everyday right. DEQ’s mission demands that public health be protected first, without compromise. Allowing additional diesel emissions during planned outages is simply unnecessary, and any unnecessary pollution — particularly in already strained communities — must be avoided.

I urge DEQ to uphold its mandate and reject any expansion of this rule.

Respectfully submitted,

Joshua Hatch

Broad Run, VA

I live near Ashburn's Data Center Alley, where the presence of so many data centers has already altered our climate, severely damaged our local ecosystem, and poses a growing health hazard to families forced to live near them. Encouraging use of diesel generators would endanger the health of everyone in the community, filling our air with toxic substances that threaten our kids and older members of the community. 

The DEQ can't look to temporary "band-aid" solutions that patch the symptoms, but have to instead look at the bigger problem. There are already too many data centers forcing residents to take the burden of paying for their construction and power while getting negligible benefits that do nothing to make up for the space and safety we've lost. Instead of speeding up the suffocation of our communities by industrial infrastructure that should've never been here in the first place by letting them burn fossil fuels and worsen our atmosphere, we need to look for better solutions.

Given the stress that data centers are already putting on the grid that we all use, enabling these centers to fire up the diesel generators when it suits will just make things worse.  First they'll suck down all available energy, then they'll turn on the diesel and bring pollution and noise to neighboring homes, schools, parks and playgrounds.    Data centers were not placed in cordoned off areas, they've been dropped right in between homes, neighborhoods and recreation areas.   For that reason, it's essential that they not be allowed to add to the nightmare they pose to neighbors by running noisy, polluting diesel generators whenever they'll provide power the centers need.     

DEQ must put protecting public health first as their primary mission above all else.

The emergency generator allowance should not be broadened to include planned outage events.

This will contribute to more unnecessary pollution and put us on a slippery slope that could lead to these generators being used for demand response during periods of grid stress, which is not their intended use.

If emergency diesel generators are allowed to be used for “demand response” — a program that pays customers (in this case, data centers) to reduce their electricity usage from the grid during peak times — this could lead to significantly more pollution during the hottest days of the summer, which are often also the poorest air quality days in our region.

If DEQ chooses to make this change, it should incorporate strict limitations and regulations including:

Not allowing Tier II generators to be run for planned outages near “sensitive receptors” (e.g., schools, hospitals, parks, trails and residential areas)

The public should be given notice about where and when these generators will be running and for how long.

Each site where emergency generators are running should be inspected daily to monitor fuel usage and should be equipped with air quality monitoring for the duration of their usage.

Absolutely NO increase to data center diesel generator use. Stop the nonsense.

The mission of the Virginia DEQ is to, “protect and enhance the environment of Virginia in order to promote the health and well-being of the Commonwealth's citizens, residents, and visitors in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.” It is time for the DEQ to prioritize protecting public health instead of allowing DEQ's proposed change could be easily expanded to allow the data centers to run these generators during periods of grid stress, as was proposed back in January 2023.

This will contribute to more unnecessary pollution and put us on a slippery slope that could lead to these generators being used for demand response during periods of grid stress, which is not their intended use.

Please consider the public health impact of excessive use of diesel generators.  Expanding the use of these highly polluting energy sources, especially in the context of the high density of such generators in a populated area is concerning.  Please only allow the use of these generators for unforeseen emergency only.

Over expansion of DCs adding high power generators together with cutting down trees in the name of development needs to be carefully planned with residents approvals and administration of proper controls. As an example, if not controlled, industries would still be pushing harmful chemicals into the rivers and water bodies. We must act for the sake of our children!

DEQ's proposal would allow data centers to potentially turn on hundreds to thousands of diesel generators, putting public health at greater risk. We believe this change should not be allowed or, at the very least, should be strictly limited and regulated

I strongly disapprove of the motion by Loudoun County to permit data center from utilizing more diesel backup power generation. Burning diesel fuel creates toxic pollutants and high noise levels. They should be totally banned from Loudoun County.

The VA Department of Environment Quality should ban the use of diesel generators by data centers located near residential areas.  Please do not allow the data centers to increase the diesel generators use beyond the current levels. Additionally, the present regulations should be actively enforced.

We should not be allowing these data centers to run their backup generators just to account for planned outages. These data centers are a cancer to our communities! They are pumping out toxic fumes that pollute Virginia’s fresh air and siphon our electricity while we all foot the bill. Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality’s duties are to the citizens of Virginia and protecting our health while protecting the environment as well. It’s time for the DEQ to do their jobs and regulate the effects the data centers have on our environment and communities. Virginians’ quality of life and our beautiful natural environment should come first over the profit of these tech companies.

Move to other power sources, research on better options, move away from Diesel Generators

And, no increase in Diesel Generators for now and ever 

It is the job of the Virginia DEQ to protect the public health and safety of Virginia citizens who live or work near data centers.  DEQ should not allow back-up generators to be used except for emergencies that are truly unanticipated.

We have to be much smarter than allowing this lazy, dirty, harmful and irresponsible means of producing power for data centers in Virginia.

It is already infuriating that data centers are demanding so much of Virginia's energy and water! These behemoths cannot be given greater allowance to exacerbate the climate crisis and spew particulates and VOCs into our air.

Far cleaner and more responsible alternatives exist. An obvious one is to immediately institute a moratorium on further data center development in Virginia. Virginia has more than its fair share, and residents of the state are already overburdened by them. No plans for more data centers should proceed unless and until the data centers can build and/or source enough clean energy to meet their needs.  The data industry could help themselves a lot by investing more in R&D on computing efficiencies--quantum computing, better chips, or just not wasting energy on manufacturing AI slop, mining crypto currency and developing  Ani-type bots, all of questionable value to humanity.

 Another alternative is for data centers to run on existing power generation, which could be achieved by improving the grid and fine-tuning management of energy demand.  I like Rewiring America's proposal that energy efficiency upgrades to heat pumps and improved insulation across thousands of households in the Commonwealth could save enough energy to power the data centers.

Another alternative is wind and solar plus battery storage. How stupid that we face an existential climate crisis, but look to fossil fuels instead of to the faster, cleaner, cheaper power provided by sun and wind.  

A related alternative is harnessing rooftop solar plus battery installations across thousands of Virginia homes and businesses, creating virtual power plants.

Under no circumstances should the government of Virginia allow data centers to use their back up generators as their power source. 

Diesel fumes are a primary trigger for my 30-year-old asthma/emphysema.

DEQ must put protecting public health first as their primary mission above all else.

The emergency generator allowance should not be broadened to include planned outage events.

This will contribute to more unnecessary pollution and put us on a slippery slope that could lead to these generators being used for demand response during periods of grid stress, which is not their intended use.

If DEQ chooses to make this change, it should incorporate strict limitations and regulations including:

• Not allowing Tier II generators to be run for planned outages near “sensitive receptors” (e.g., schools, hospitals, parks, trails and residential areas)
• The public should be given notice about where and when these generators will be running and for how long.

Each site where emergency generators are running should be inspected daily to monitor fuel usage and should be equipped with air quality monitoring for the duration of their usage.

Please do not do anything to compromise air quality. We should be going in the opposite direction that this proposal would allow. 

NO!!! to polluting environment with increased diesel generator use.

I support clean air.   

Data centers should not be allowed to run diesel generators except in extreme emergencies.  It should not be a common occurrence.

• DEQ must put protecting public health first as their primary mission above all else.
• The emergency generator allowance should not be broadened to include planned outage events.
  • This will contribute to more unnecessary pollution and put us on a slippery slope that could lead to these generators being used for demand response during periods of grid stress, which is not their intended use.
• If DEQ chooses to make this change, it should incorporate strict limitations and regulations including:
  • Not allowing Tier II generators to be run for planned outages near “sensitive receptors” (e.g., schools, hospitals, parks, trails and residential areas)
  • The public should be given noticeabout where and when these generators will be running and for how long.
  • Each site where emergency generators are running should be inspected dailyto monitor fuel usage and should be equipped with air quality monitoringfor the duration of their usage.

The mission of the Virginia DEQ is to, “protect and enhance the environment of Virginia in order to promote the health and well-being of the Commonwealth's citizens, residents, and visitors in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.” Do not allow more time for diesel generators!  Studies show significant adverse health effects, especially for young children whose respiration rate is higher and who will absorb more toxins into their developing bodies. It is your responsibility to protect the vulnerable populations. 

Please do not allow more use of diesel generators. And please consider the public health impact of excessive use of diesel generators.  Expanding the use of these highly polluting energy sources, especially in the context of the high density of such generators in a populated area is concerning.  Please only allow the use of these generators for unforeseen emergency only.

Given the high density of data centers in Prince William and Loudoun Counties and their close proximity to homes and schools, the idea of running such a high number of dirty and hazardous Tier II diesel generators even longer is frightening.  To make things worse, the number of data centers planned continues to grow.  If utilities want the flexibility for the data centers to be able to run their existing backup diesel generators during planned outage events they simply need to bite the bullet and add SCRs (selective catalytic reduction systems) to protect the public from pollution.  They are no different than VW that had to improve their diesel cars at great expense to protect the public.

Thank you

They communities allowing data centers close to populated areas should have planned in the use of clean power such as solar or wind. There are many areas suitable for these energy consuming centers where there is space for wind fields or even the unsightly wires and structures to carry energy from far off places Beter yet put these centers in the boondocks.

We are about to open our Christmas tree farm and will host many from inner city areas who come here for the fresh air and a long look at the beautiful Blue Ridge. As farmers we are already putting up with greatly increased growth and stress from increased value of farmland as farmland shrinks.  Farmers will sell out, ask for rezoning to sell expensive lots, slowly making the counties around here to looking like Fairfax. When more stoplights are put up and farmland is harder to reach, and the area starts to look more commercial our customers will stay home.  Our crops suffer from pollution also. Va. Tech will tell you that our trees will show the stress of pollution....to say nothing of our lungs. We are outside all day breathing in what we allow to go into the air locally.  Just think this through! Sally MelloMT

Please consider limits on Data Center diesel generators which originally are intended for emergency backup only. In addition to air pollution, due to the need for refueling them after use, there is the added risk of fuel spills every time their tanks are refilled thus polluting the soil as well.

I am sick and tired of watching friends and family die because of people who refuse to recognize the science of pollution!  Enough!

We absolutely do not need to increase pollution levels, by any means, even from data centers thought to be progressive.  They are regressive as they kill.

I am absolutely opposed to giving data centers the option to run generators as a method to provide power during planned outages. Planned outages, such as while transmission lines are built or worked on, are considered foreseeable, meaning data center operators have sufficient time — and are expected to — seek alternative options. Options typically used include: a) renting mobile Tier IV gas generators with higher pollution controls, or b) retrofitting Tier II generators with SCRs (selective catalytic reduction systems) to protect the public from pollution. 

Diesel generators should be constrained to only emergency use as they were originally intended. I am certain operators — having made the investment to buy them — would love to get some more use out of them. However, they are extraordinarily bad for the environment with tremendous air pollution. As a retired Navy man, I know all about using diesel generators for emergency uses. That makes sense and was the original purpose for equipping data centers with backup generators. We cannot  afford the decrease in clean air that this rule would provide. Don’t let it happen!

These data centers buildings are perfect for Solar panels? Why aren’t they there? Personally, I think that data centers will be dead in the near future as new tech will erase their need. The buildings are an eyesore and cannot sustain themselves. The US has gone this way for AI development without considering alternatives as to energy, water or safety.  Rushing into this is going to be dangerous for our future with no controls or wisdom shown.

Prohibit diesel generators from use in non emergency situations such as planned outages

Only allow Data Centers to use Diesel Generators in Absolute Emergency Situations. Also, when air quality is poor, during this time Data Centers should not be allowed to use Diesel Generators at all.

Increases in asthma in children, lung cancers, auto-immune problems, and lower property values follow this kind of action.

Data centers are complete eye sore and giving them the ability to run diesel generators during nonemergency times will add unwanted pollution to those eye sores. Please don't 

This will contribute to more unnecessary pollution and put us on a slippery slope that could lead to these generators being used for demand response during periods of grid stress, which is not their intended use.

The decision to use diesel backup generators is the wrong decision. Use renewable energy sources instead.