Facility is Subject to Continued Oversight Under Clean Air Act
BALTIMORE (March 25, 2026) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) today issued a final determination approving an air quality permit for Amazon Data Services, Inc., authorizing the installation of emergency backup generators for a new data center campus located at 3250 Digital Drive in Frederick.
The approval follows an extensive technical review and a public comment period regarding applicable air pollution control regulations.
“We heard the concerns of residents, and are confident that this permit protects air quality and public health,” said Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain. “Maryland welcomes economic growth and the jobs that come with it, but growth does not come at the expense of our families. This permit includes strong, science-based protections, and we will enforce all Clean Air Act requirements and permit conditions with rigor and accountability.”
Under the terms of the permit, the 99 diesel-fired emergency generators are strictly prohibited from operating as the primary power source for the data center or participating in demand response programs. The generators may only be used to supply backup power during actual emergencies, and for testing and maintenance purposes only to ensure the generators will be operational when needed for emergencies.
This permit was developed and issued consistent with processes developed by the Department for the last state-approved data center air quality permit for a similar project in Frederick in January 2025. Amazon has submitted an application for an additional data center facility in Frederick, for which the department will schedule a public meeting.
The data center will be subject to continuous oversight under the federal Clean Air Act. MDE will conduct unannounced and announced inspections, review operational logbooks, and require the facility to submit annual certifications of emissions. To protect local water supplies, the facility must comply with U.S. EPA oil pollution prevention requirements by maintaining a spill prevention plan and it must obtain a separate oil permit before any diesel fuel for the backup generators can be stored on-site.
The applicant and the public have a right to appeal the Department’s final decision in accordance with Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure 7-401 through 7-403.
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