I live in Hampton, Georgia, a community that I deeply care for. The air we breathe here is precious to us, and so are the children who play in our streets, the seniors enjoying their retirements, and everyone who calls this place home. This is why I'm raising my concern about the proposed Equinix Data Center, which plans to use 150 diesel generators, potentially emitting 250 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) per year, along with other harmful chemicals like ethyl benzene and formaldehyde.

Nitrogen oxides contribute significantly to air pollution, creating smog and triggering respiratory issues affecting vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly. Studies have linked prolonged exposure to NOx with an increased risk of asthma, reduced lung function, and other respiratory diseases. Furthermore, compounds like formaldehyde are known carcinogens, posing further health risks to residents.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), diesel engine emissions are a major source of NOx, and limiting such emissions is crucial for maintaining air quality standards that protect public health.
 I am writing to oppose this application. I see no Mitigation Strategies or Emission Control Technologies According to this article: https://ryankmetz.com/emergency-generators-in-data-centers/ Progressive data centers are deploying multi-stage exhaust treatment: •Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC): Reduce CO and HC by 85-90% through platinum-coated honeycomb substrates •Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF): Wall-flow filters capture 99% of PM with automated ash cleaning cycles •Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): Urea injection systems achieve 0.1 g/kWh NOx via V2O5-WO3/TiO2 catalysts (Johnson Matthey, “Emission Control Technologies for Data Center Generators”). Microsoft’s Quincy data center prototype combines these with HVO100 biofuel, cutting PM emissions by 86% versus ULSD (Microsoft). Being less than 2 miles from the city center with schools, a downtown, senior center all within 3.2 miles of the facility, this is extremely negligent to allow such a facility with 150 diesel generators to be approved. This will impact thousands of people negatively and being a predominently black city, is an example of environmental racism. I implore you to reject this application and require Emissions Control Technologies of the highest level be employed as well as a monitoring strategy and alert system to monitor air quality and ensure compliance for the sake of the city's residents. 

Please join me in opposing the air permit for the Equinix Data Center. Sign this petition to protect our air, our health, and the future of Hampton. Your support is vital in ensuring that our voices are heard and that our health and safety are prioritized in our community's development.