Hilliard residents and city officials are intensifying opposition to Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) data center expansion on Scioto Darby Road, citing health risks from proposed diesel generators and fuel cells near residential areas and Beacon Elementary School. The 142-acre facility, approved in 2022, now faces backlash over its power infrastructure, including 158 Tier 2 diesel backup generators and a six-acre array of 228 natural gas fuel cells.
Key Project Details
The fuel cells, developed by AEP Ohio and Bloom Energy, aim to provide 73 megawatts of supplemental power through electrochemical reactions, producing electricity, water vapor, and up to 1.45 million pounds of CO2 daily—equivalent to emissions from 66,000 cars. The diesel generators, intended for emergencies like grid failures, would emit nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, with critics noting their proximity: a park 1,000 feet away, homes as close as 2,000 feet, and Beacon Elementary about 4,000 feet from the site. Ohio EPA has approved an air permit for the generators pending a public hearing, while fuel cell permits bypassed local review under state law (Ohio Revised Code 4906.13(B)).
Community and Official Backlash
Residents like Annette Singh, a mother of three, have gathered over 160 petition signatures urging denial of the generator permit, voicing fears for children’s health amid poor air quality and explosion risks from an eight-inch natural gas pipeline. Hilliard City Council, led by figures like Les Carrier, calls the process a lack of transparency, with Acting City Manager Dan Ralley lamenting state overrides of local oversight for this unprecedented North American-scale project. Norwich Township trustees echoed concerns over fire hazards and unconsulted safety protocols.
Legal Challenges Underway
Hilliard has sued via the Environmental Review Appeals Commission, alleging Ohio EPA failed to notify local government before issuing the fuel cell air permit; the appeal remains pending as of February 2026. The city also offered to host a public comment meeting on generators and is enforcing local noise ordinances, with acoustic studies showing compliance. Grassroots efforts, including the hilliardcleanair.org site, highlight research on emissions impacts within 1.5-4.7 miles of such facilities.
Company Responses
Amazon emphasizes community engagement and its 24 Ohio wind/solar projects, describing fuel cells as temporary until grid upgrades, while ensuring “reliable electricity.” AEP asserts the technology meets safety standards, emits 30-45% less CO2 than combustion alternatives, and includes fire training for local departments. Both note diesel backups are standard for data centers, used zero to two times yearly.