Environment & Climate

Advocates accuse tech firms of dividing permits to bypass Clean Air Act reviews

The Guardian reports that environmental groups allege tech companies use minor permits to avoid major air pollution reviews.

Updated Sep 27, 2026 · 14:17 UTC1 reports

The short version

Environmental advocates and a former regulatory official accuse tech companies of splitting emissions sources into multiple minor permits to avoid strict Clean Air Act reviews.[The Guardian]
The practice, termed 'lego permitting,' reportedly allows facilities to secure faster approvals and avoid installing mandatory pollution controls.[The Guardian]
Reported examples in North Carolina, New Mexico, and Maryland involve Amazon, Duke Energy, and other developers dividing generator and microgrid permits.[The Guardian]
Amazon stated that its permitting accurately reflects separate operational structures and complies with regulatory requirements.[The Guardian]

Under the Clean Air Act, projects designated as major pollution sources must undergo stringent air emissions reviews to ensure overall regional air quality limits are not breached.[The Guardian]
Amazon and Duke Energy submitted two separate minor permit applications in North Carolina for 649 diesel backup generators.[The Guardian]
Developers of Project Jupiter in New Mexico proposed two natural gas microgrids that each fell just below the 25-ton annual hazardous pollutant limit before withdrawing the application following local opposition.[The Guardian]
Amazon stated that it appropriately applied for and obtained its required air permits for its datacenter project.[The Guardian]

Whether developers intentionally manipulate regulatory rules or lawfully structure independent operational entities remains disputed between environmental advocates and tech firms.[The Guardian]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.