PHILADELPHIA, PA — A federal order allowing data centers on the PJM electric grid to use backup power during this week’s heat wave is drawing opposition from PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, which warned the temporary waiver could increase diesel pollution as millions during the July 4 holiday weekend.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright approved PJM’s request to relax air pollution restrictions from July 1 through July 3, according to PennEnvironment.
The waiver applies during a period of extreme heat across parts of the Midwest and East Coast, when electricity demand typically rises as homes and businesses increase air-conditioning use.
PennEnvironment said the decision could allow data centers to rely on diesel-powered backup generators, which the group argues may worsen air quality in nearby and downwind communities.
The group pointed to a May 2026 report by Environment America Research & Policy Center that examined the use of diesel generators by data centers and questioned whether regulators should allow large electricity users to shift to those systems during grid stress.
“As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this weekend, Americans celebrating this momentous occasion shouldn’t be forced to choose between going outside to enjoy the holiday with friends and family, and facing the risk of dirty diesel generators belching pollution from nearby data centers,” said David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center.
The order spotlights the tension between fast-growing power demand from data centers and public-health concerns tied to backup generation, particularly during extreme weather events when electricity systems face added strain.
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