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.
Previous Comment     Next Comment     Back to List of Comments
11/24/25  5:36 pm
Commenter: Katrina Dennis

I oppose allowing diesel generators
 

I am located very near the data center campus being built at the intersection of Catharpin Road and Route 55 (Gainesville/Haymarket). I oppose allowing extended use of diesel generators at these data centers because this will directly impact the air quality for my neighborhood, which is also located right by an elementary school and several townhouse communities. Instead of letting these data centers rely on diesel backups, we should be insisting on adding solar and other renewables to these buildings to defray their power draws. I already worry about how these data centers will affect my utility bills and how much water they will use, I don't want to worry about long term impacts on my health, or my children's health if they are breathing in more exhaust fumes. I cannot put a filter my kids when they play outside, or stand at the bus stop. DEQis supposed to protect us - Virginians - from worsening environmental conditions. Increasing emissions will run counter to that purpose.

Thank you for your time.

CommentID: 237993