Permit and laws

Amazon’s Hobart Data Center Air-Permit Application and Applicable Laws

Federal engine rules already apply by law. Amazon’s requested source-wide caps and support-generator limits are proposals until IDEM issues a permit containing enforceable conditions.

Connected accountability

Multi-Track Approval & Regulatory Pathways

Zoning, tax abatements, IDEM air permits, utility service contracts, building design releases, and court review operate on separate regulatory tracks. Each record establishes approval only within its specific scope.

No single universal sequence or approval percentageCity zoning, tax abatements, IDEM air permits, utility agreements, building design releases, and court cases are independent regulatory tracks. Approval in one track does not approve the entire project.

Dated Decisions & Official Records (12)

Enacted LawScope: System-wideMunicipal Ordinance

November 20, 2024

Ordinance 2024-33: Data Center Standards & Regulations

Authority: Hobart Common Council • Party: City of Hobart

Legal effect: Enacted municipal zoning standards and specific regulatory requirements governing data-center developments within Hobart city limits.

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Requires designated setbacks, screening, and landscaping buffers
Establishes acoustical noise standards at property boundaries
Mandates civil stormwater and drainage compliance

What this record proves

Proves that Hobart enacted specific municipal code chapters governing data-center facilities before parcel rezonings.

What this does NOT prove

Does not prove individual building permits, site-plan approvals, or air permits for any specific operator.

Enacted LawScope: SBN520Adopted Municipal Rezoning Ordinance

January 2025

Ordinance 2025-07: Rezoning Petition 25-02 (R-3 to M-1 with Reversion Condition)

Authority: Hobart Common Council • Party: Petition 25-02 (Plan Commission / Common Council)

Legal effect: Reclassified the original ~168-acre property near East 61st Avenue and Arizona Street from R-3 residential to M-1 Light Manufacturing with a stated reversion condition if the named data-center development did not proceed.

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Contains reversion condition if named data-center development does not proceed
Subject to municipal engineering and civil reviews

What this record proves

Proves that the ~168-acre SBN520 parcel received municipal rezoning from R-3 to M-1 with a reversion clause.

What this does NOT prove

Does not prove a later approved site plan, local building permits, IDEM air permits, or that all contemporaneous project representations were achieved.

Approved RecordScope: SBN750Municipal Resolution & Contract

January 7, 2026

Resolution 2026-02: Real-Property Tax Abatement Agreement (Hobart Tech Park / SBN750)

Authority: Hobart Common Council • Party: Amazon Data Services, Inc. / Hobart Tech Park LLC

Legal effect: Approved a 10-year, 100% real-property tax abatement agreement for eligible buildings within the Hobart Tech Park / SBN750 campus (Resolution 2026-03 approved the corresponding abatement for Hobart Devco / SBN520).

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Each eligible building qualifies on its own 10-year schedule
Buildings receiving certificates of occupancy after January 1, 2034 do not qualify
Requires annual CF-1 compliance reporting to Common Council
Council retains right to deny abatement after demonstrated material failure to comply, following notice and cure

What this record proves

Proves that the City approved a structured 10-year real-property deduction framework for SBN750 tied to building-specific completion dates.

What this does NOT prove

Does not prove an unconditional 35-year real-property tax holiday; real-property abatement is 10 years per building.

Approved RecordScope: SBN520Municipal Resolution & Contract

January 7, 2026

Resolution 2026-03: Real-Property Tax Abatement Agreement (Hobart Devco / SBN520)

Authority: Hobart Common Council • Party: Amazon Data Services, Inc. / Hobart Owner LLC

Legal effect: Approved a 10-year, 100% real-property tax abatement agreement for eligible buildings within the Hobart Devco / SBN520 campus (Resolution 2026-02 approved the corresponding abatement for Hobart Tech Park / SBN750).

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Each eligible building qualifies on its own 10-year schedule
Buildings receiving certificates of occupancy after January 1, 2034 do not qualify
Requires annual CF-1 compliance reporting to Common Council
Council retains right to deny abatement after demonstrated material failure to comply, following notice and cure

What this record proves

Proves that the City approved a structured 10-year real-property deduction framework for SBN520 tied to building-specific completion dates.

What this does NOT prove

Does not prove an unconditional 35-year real-property tax holiday; real-property abatement is 10 years per building.

Approved RecordScope: System-wideMunicipal Resolution & Contract

January 7, 2026

Resolution 2026-04: Enterprise Agreement & Scheduled Contributions

Authority: Hobart Common Council • Party: Amazon Data Services, Inc.

Legal effect: Approved a 35-year qualified enterprise IT equipment deduction and contracted $175 million in scheduled community contributions across the full project buildout.

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Scheduled community enhancement contributions of $47M, $45M, $43M, and $40M tied to milestones (including 9 building shells for #4 across the multi-parcel campus)
Buildings receiving certificates of occupancy after January 1, 2034 do not qualify for the enterprise IT personal property exemption (§2(B))
Annual Community Impact Payments under §2(E) (lesser of $1.5M or exemption value per building, beginning calendar year after placement in service, payable by later of August 1 or 60 days after invoice) offset scheduled contributions dollar-for-dollar in the same calendar year
65 dBA continuous acoustic boundary commitment under §4 & Exhibit C, Item 6, with listed exceptions for backup emergency power operations during utility electrical outages, emergency repairs and maintenance, public utility work, and construction of public projects
Responsible bidder and local fire-department training commitments

What this record proves

Proves contractual approval of IT personal-property exemptions (subject to §2(B) January 1, 2034 certificate of occupancy cutoff) and four scheduled contributions totaling $175 million across the full project development.

What this does NOT prove

Does not prove that all $175 million has been deposited; contributions are payable according to specific construction triggers.

Approved RecordScope: System-wideState Regulatory Order

June 17, 2026

Cause 46322 Final Order: NIPSCO-Amazon Service Contract

Authority: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) • Party: NIPSCO & Amazon Data Services, Inc.

Legal effect: Approved the retail electric service contract between NIPSCO and Amazon Data Services, along with cost-allocation safeguards.

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Protects existing retail electric customers from megaload generation capital costs
Approves planned load ramp from 2027 initial service through up to 2,400 MW by 2032
Requires quarterly and annual compliance filings regarding transmission studies

What this record proves

Proves that state utility regulators authorized NIPSCO to provide contracted electric service to the Hobart data center under designated rate terms.

What this does NOT prove

Does not prove that IDEM air permits were issued or that transmission substations are physically completed.

Approved RecordScope: System-wideState Regulatory Order

June 17, 2026

Cause 46362 Final Order: GenCo Megaload Resource Portfolio

Authority: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) • Party: NIPSCO Generation LLC (GenCo)

Legal effect: Approved GenCo resource arrangements including up to 2,600 MW of combined-cycle gas turbine capacity and a 400 MW battery resource.

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Dedicated to large customer loads without cost recovery through standard retail customer rate base

What this record proves

Proves state approval for GenCo's planned resource mix to support regional megaload requirements.

What this does NOT prove

Does not prove construction of generators directly inside Hobart city limits.

Issued ReleaseScope: SBN750State Design Release

July 21, 2026

Project 462383: Standard Design Release (Hobart Tech Park - ACB)

Authority: Indiana Department of Homeland Security • Party: Hobart Tech Park - ACB (6197 Colorado Street)

Legal effect: Issued a state standard design release for Project 462383 ('Hobart Tech Park - ACB') at 6197 Colorado Street.

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Subject to state Conditions of Release compliance
Does not authorize site occupancy or bypass municipal building inspections

What this record proves

Proves that state structural plan review was completed for the submitted drawings for Project 462383 at 6197 Colorado Street.

What this does NOT prove

Does not constitute a local City of Hobart building permit, certificate of occupancy, or IDEM air permit. Does not cover the separate SBN520 parcel.

Application SubmittedScope: System-widePermit Application

July 24, 2026

Application 089-50590-00739: FESOP Air-Permit Application

Authority: Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) • Party: Amazon Data Services, Inc.

Legal effect: Submitted formal request for a Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit with synthetic minor emission limits.

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Proposes 782 emergency backup diesel engines (766 critical, 16 support)
Proposes federal emergency-engine operating restrictions under 40 CFR 60.4211(f) (up to 100 hours/year for maintenance and testing with a 50-hour non-emergency subset) and unrestricted genuine emergency operation
Proposes Tier 2 engine standards and catalytic particulate filters

What this record proves

Proves what equipment, operational caps, and control devices Amazon proposed to IDEM.

What this does NOT prove

Does not prove an issued permit; IDEM lists status as Draft processing stage as of October 1, 2026.

Approved RecordScope: SBN520Judicial Order (Merits)

February 18, 2026

Cause 45D04-2601-PL-000022: Order Confirming ERA & Abatement

Authority: Lake Superior Court, Civil Division 4 • Party: Resident Petitioners v. City of Hobart & Amazon Entities

Legal effect: Confirmed the City of Hobart's statutory compliance in establishing the Economic Revitalization Area and tax abatement agreements.

What this record proves

Proves that the trial court upheld the City's economic revitalization area and abatement procedures on the merits.

What this does NOT prove

Does not dispose of separate claims in consolidated Cause 45D11-2512-MI-000644.

Procedural ActionScope: SBN520Procedural Court Order

September 30, 2026

Cause 45D11-2512-MI-000644: Case Management Plan & Hearing Notice

Authority: Lake Superior Court (Room 2) • Party: Resident Petitioners v. City of Hobart & Hobart Owner LLC

Legal effect: Signed a case-management plan and scheduled a consolidated dismissal hearing for October 19, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in Cause 45D11-2512-MI-000644 (consolidated with 45D10-2606-RA-000007).

What this record proves

Proves that pending claims remain active and are scheduled for oral argument on pending motions to dismiss in Cause 45D11-2512-MI-000644.

What this does NOT prove

Does not decide the merits of the zoning challenge or issue any injunction stopping construction.

Approved RecordScope: Adjacent NorthWindPlan Commission Decision

October 1, 2026

NorthWind North 4-Lot Final Subdivision Plat Approval (Item 26-34)

Authority: Hobart Plan Commission • Party: Becknell Industrial

Legal effect: Granted final subdivision plat approval for the 4-lot NorthWind North Business Park (Item 26-34, 26.78 acres at 61st Ave & Liverpool Rd). Roll-call vote count, mover/seconder, and approval conditions could not be confirmed from the meeting video recording; official written minutes are not yet posted.

Key Conditions & Scope Limits:

Vote count, mover/seconder, and any conditions remain unconfirmed from meeting video recording pending official written minutes

What this record proves

Proves final subdivision plat approval for the 4-lot adjacent NorthWind North parcel (Item 26-34) at the October 1, 2026 meeting.

What this does NOT prove

Does not prove approval of the NorthWind development agreement, the proposed 10-year real-property tax abatement, or any Amazon data-center permit or construction start. Roll-call vote count and approval conditions remain unconfirmed pending written minutes.

Future Checkpoints & Awaiting Records (6)

These are scheduled procedural steps, public comment windows, or milestone triggers that have not yet occurred or produced final documents.

Awaiting documentScope: System-wide

Target: Following IDEM technical review (Application received July 24, 2026)

Publication of Draft FESOP Air Permit & 30-Day Comment Period

Authority: IDEM • Trigger / Dependency: IDEM completion of air-dispersion modeling and emission-cap calculations

IDEM lists the application in Draft processing stage. When published, a formal written public-comment notice (usually 30 days) will be issued. No draft permit document is yet available.

Scheduled hearingScope: SBN520

Target: October 19, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Consolidated Hearing on Motions to Dismiss (Cause 45D11-2512-MI-000644)

Authority: Lake Superior Court (45D11) • Trigger / Dependency: Case-management order signed September 30, 2026 in Cause 45D11-2512-MI-000644

Oral argument on defendants' motions to dismiss remaining claims in consolidated Cause 45D11-2512-MI-000644 (with 45D10-2606-RA-000007).

Projected windowScope: System-wide

Target: Later of 30 days after vertical construction begins on the first shell or December 31, 2026

Community Contribution #2 ($45 Million)

Authority: City of Hobart & Amazon Data Services • Trigger / Dependency: Commencement of vertical structural steel/precast construction on first building shell across the development

Contractual payment milestone under Resolution 2026-04. Not yet due until the vertical construction trigger is confirmed or year-end occurs.

Projected windowScope: System-wide

Target: Beginning in 2027

Initial Electric Utility Service Commencement

Authority: NIPSCO & IURC • Trigger / Dependency: Substation completion and interconnection under IURC Cause 46322

Initial retail service delivery under approved contract, supported by existing utility capacity ahead of the full generation ramp.

Projected windowScope: System-wide

Target: March 1, 2027

MISO Project 51141 345-kV Load Addition In-Service Target

Authority: MISO • Trigger / Dependency: Regional transmission expansion plan execution

MISO's Expedited Project Review record lists March 1, 2027 as the planned in-service date for the 345-kV transmission addition.

Not yet locatedScope: SBN750

Target: Awaiting removal from tabled status at future Plan Commission meeting

Hobart Tech Park (SBN750) 1-Lot Subdivision Consideration (Item 26-18)

Authority: Hobart Plan Commission • Trigger / Dependency: Plan Commission removal from tabled status (Item 26-18)

Official agendas list the 555-acre Hobart Tech Park proposed one-lot subdivision as tabled. No final plat approval or denial has been voted upon.

Permit lifecycle & document history

IDEM Application Lifecycle: From Submission to Operating Authority

Air permits advance through distinct, legally defined regulatory milestones. Each stage below shows the governing record, legal effect, proposed vs effective conditions, and what the record proves.

Stage 3 of 7: In Progress (Draft Status)Permit 089-50590-00739Dual Campus Scope (SBN520 + SBN750)

IDEM Air-Permit Lifecycle & Document-Version History

Amazon submitted a single Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit (FESOP) application covering both the SBN520 campus (6 buildings, 170 engines) and SBN750 proposal (20 buildings, 612 engines). The application requests synthetic minor emission caps below Title V thresholds. A submitted application is not an issued permit, and requested runtime limits are proposals until IDEM issues an enforceable final operating permit.

Current StatusDraft ProcessingChecked Oct 1, 2026 via CAATS (Draft)

Total Proposed Fleet782 Engines766 critical + 16 support units

Combined Backup2,119 MW464 MW SBN520 + 1,655 MW SBN750

Draft DocumentUnpublishedDocumented gap #GAP-AIR-03

01Application Filed

Completed milestoneJuly 24, 2026

FESOP & Construction Approval Application Submitted

Actor / Authority: Amazon Data Services, Inc. / Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions • Scope: System-wide (SBN520 + SBN750)

Formally initiated IDEM Office of Air Quality review under 326 IAC 2-8 (Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit) and 326 IAC 2-2/2-3 minor status. Does NOT authorize construction or operation of air-pollutant emitting equipment.

Proposed Operating Caps & Specifications in Review:

Proposed federal emergency-engine operating restrictions under 40 CFR 60.4211(f) (up to 100 hours/year for maintenance and testing with a 50-hour non-emergency subset) and unrestricted operation during genuine emergencies
Proposed synthetic minor potential-to-emit limits (< 100 tpy criteria pollutants, < 10 tpy single HAP, < 25 tpy total HAP)
Proposed Tier 2 engine standards and catalytic particulate filters (68.6% conservative filterable PM control efficiency)
Total fuel storage: 5,466,277 gallons across sub-base belly tanks and 26 bulk tanks

What this record proves

Proves what equipment inventory, operational caps, control devices, and potential-to-emit calculations Amazon proposed to IDEM.

What it does not prove

Does not prove an issued permit; does not prove agency acceptance of proposed caps; does not authorize construction or operation of generator units (IDEM tracking checked through October 1, 2026; application remains in Draft processing stage).

Scope breakdown: SBN520: 6 buildings, 464 MW backup nameplate capacity, 170 engines; SBN750: 20 buildings, 1,655 MW backup nameplate capacity, 612 engines. Total 782 engines across both campus parcels.

02Agency Intake

Completed milestoneJuly 24, 2026

IDEM Office of Air Quality Receipt & CAATS Tracking Assignment

Actor / Authority: Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) • Scope: System-wide (SBN520 + SBN750)

Establishes formal agency receipt date (July 24, 2026) and opens official state regulatory review docket.

What this record proves

Proves that IDEM formally logged receipt of Amazon's application and assigned Permit Number 089-50590-00739.

What it does not prove

Does not prove technical completeness or compliance with Indiana air-quality rules.

Scope breakdown: Assigned to facility address at 4751 E. 61st Avenue, Hobart, IN (Lake County).

03Technical Review

In progress / active stageStatus checked October 1, 2026

Internal Engineering Evaluation & Draft Processing Stage

Actor / Authority: IDEM Office of Air Quality • Scope: System-wide (SBN520 + SBN750)

Internal state agency engineering analysis: IDEM staff evaluate emissions calculations, synthetic minor limitations, and prepare the Technical Support Document (TSD) and proposed draft conditions.

Proposed Operating Caps & Specifications in Review:

Evaluation of criteria pollutant dispersion modeling
Verification of synthetic minor emission cap mechanics under 326 IAC 2-8
Preparation of draft Technical Support Document (TSD)

What this record proves

Proves that IDEM lists the application in 'Draft' processing stage (checked October 1, 2026).

What it does not prove

Does not prove that a draft permit has been published for public review; 'Draft' is an internal agency processing stage, not a published public document.

Scope breakdown: Comprehensive evaluation of emission limits across all 782 engines at SBN520 and SBN750.

04Draft Publication

Awaiting agency publicationAwaiting publication

Draft FESOP Permit, Technical Support Document & 30-Day Public Notice

Actor / Authority: IDEM Office of Air Quality • Scope: System-wide (SBN520 + SBN750)

When published, will initiate the official 30-day public comment period under 326 IAC 2-8-13. Draft permit conditions are proposed by the agency and are NOT legally effective.

What this record proves

Not yet published; recorded as public-record gap #GAP-AIR-03.

What it does not prove

Draft conditions are not final operating authority; publication does not constitute permit issuance.

Scope breakdown: Proposed enforceable draft conditions will govern SBN520 and SBN750 operations.

05Public Comment

Future regulatory step30 days after IDEM publishes draft-permit notice (no deadline until notice exists)

Formal 30-Day Written Public Comment Period & Hearing Review

Actor / Authority: IDEM Office of Air Quality / Interested Public • Scope: System-wide (SBN520 + SBN750)

Provides formal legal window under Indiana Code 13-15-5 and 326 IAC 2-8-13 for citizens and agencies to submit written comments or request a public hearing. The 30-day period begins only after IDEM publishes the draft-permit notice; no Hobart comment deadline exists until that notice is published. IDEM decides whether to hold a hearing.

What this record proves

Statutory public-participation framework; 30-day comment window begins only upon publication of the draft-permit notice.

What it does not prove

No Hobart public comment deadline exists until IDEM publishes the draft-permit notice; public comments do not automatically amend permit conditions or deny the permit unless adopted by IDEM in its final decision.

Scope breakdown: Public participation open to all affected residents, organizations, and municipal entities.

06Notice of Decision

Future regulatory stepFuture determination date

Final Permit Determination, Enforceable Conditions & Response to Comments

Actor / Authority: IDEM Office of Air Quality / Commissioner • Scope: System-wide (SBN520 + SBN750)

If issued, establishes binding federally enforceable conditions: runtime caps, fuel sulfur specifications, continuous monitoring, and stack testing mandates. If denied, construction and operation of regulated emission units are prohibited.

What this record proves

Future agency decision.

What it does not prove

Does not prove local municipal building permit approval or electric utility interconnection readiness.

Scope breakdown: Enforceable operating authority for compliant campus facilities.

07Administrative Appeal

Future regulatory stepSeparate period post-Notice of Decision (deadline specified in issued Notice)

Administrative Appeal Period (Post-Notice of Decision)

Actor / Authority: Indiana Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP) / IDEM • Scope: System-wide (SBN520 + SBN750)

Permits any aggrieved person or the applicant to file a petition for administrative review before an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Law Proceedings (OALP) under the Administrative Orders and Procedures Act (IC 4-21.5). The appeal window is a separate period that begins only after IDEM issues its final Notice of Decision. Because IDEM distinguishes FESOP synthetic-minor permits from Part 70/Title V major-source permits, the Title V initial-permit 30-day statutory exception should not be assumed here; the applicable filing deadline and exact filing instructions must be verified against the official Notice of Decision when issued. Filing a petition does NOT automatically stay the permit; a separate stay must be requested and granted under IC 4-21.5-3-5.

What this record proves

Statutory administrative review forum (OALP) and requirement to verify applicable appeal deadline and filing instructions against the final Notice of Decision when issued.

What it does not prove

Does not establish an assumed 30-day FESOP appeal deadline prior to Notice of Decision issuance; an administrative appeal petition does not constitute an injunction or project stop unless a formal stay is granted by an OALP Administrative Law Judge.

Scope breakdown: Administrative appeal available to applicant or aggrieved persons.

Regulatory Authority & Document Boundary

IDEM reviews air permit applications under the authority of Indiana Code Title 13 and Title 326 of the Indiana Administrative Code. The Hobart application is undergoing technical evaluation under Rule 326 IAC 2-8 (FESOP Synthetic Minor). Neither the City of Hobart, nor NIPSCO, nor resident commentary has the legal authority to grant or deny an IDEM air permit. When IDEM issues its draft permit, Northshore Gen will index the official Technical Support Document, proposed conditions, and public notice.

Document status mattersIDEM lists Permit 089-50590-00739 as Draft status as of October 1, 2026, with the application received July 24, 2026. No draft permit has been published for public comment. The 190-page record on this site is Amazon’s application—not an IDEM-issued permit. Check the official status ↗

Correct permit category

FESOP is not the same as Title V

The distinction changes which review steps can accurately be shown for Hobart.

What Amazon requested

FESOP / synthetic minor

An eligible source accepts federally enforceable limits intended to keep potential emissions below Title V major-source thresholds. Amazon’s requested limits remain proposals until IDEM issues a permit containing them.

What should not be borrowed

The Title V EPA timeline

IDEM’s separate U.S. EPA objection and citizen-petition explanation is for certain Part 70/Title V permits. It should not be presented as Hobart’s current FESOP pathway.

IDEM’s current review table lists public notice: yes and proposed to U.S. EPA: no for a New Source FESOP Minor PSD/Emission Offset review. Review IDEM’s table ↗

Public review in plain English

The current path has visible checkpoints

Open the permit-path checkpoints

Current status

IDEM lists the application in Draft status

Permit 089-50590-00739 was received July 24. The public application describes Amazon’s request. Draft is a processing stage; no draft permit has been published for public comment, and no final or issued IDEM permit is shown.

Next agency stage

IDEM performs technical review and prepares its decision record

If IDEM publishes a draft, this site will add it as a separate document rather than replacing Amazon’s application.

Public participation

Draft notice and formal comments

IDEM says formal written-comment periods are usually 30 days. The official notice controls the actual dates, and IDEM may schedule a hearing when appropriate.

Agency decision

Notice of Decision

After the public-comment period, IDEM issues a notice stating whether the permit was issued or denied and provides its formal response to comments.

IDEM operating permits ↗IDEM review table ↗IDEM public participation ↗IDEM permit status ↗

Your role in the review

How to prepare and submit a public comment

IDEM says formal written-comment periods are usually 30 days. The future Hobart draft-permit notice will control the exact opening date, deadline, project contact and submission methods.

Open the public-comment guide

30 days is a real public-review checkpointWatch for the official Hobart draft notice before submitting. A comment sent to Northshore Gen—or to an unrelated general mailbox—is not a permit comment filed with IDEM.

Watch Lake County notices

Hobart is in Lake County, which IDEM includes on its Northwest Indiana public-notice page.

Open official notices ↗

Ask to receive notices

Join IDEM’s Interested Parties Mailing List. Provide a complete U.S. mailing address and ask for Amazon Data Services/Hobart or Lake County air-permit notices.

jbrush@idem.IN.gov
(317) 233-0185

Verify the IDEM contact ↗

Use the future notice

Download the draft permit, Technical Support Document and public notice. Submit to the exact IDEM contact, address and deadline printed in that notice.

Read IDEM’s process ↗

Useful comment checklist

Make the issue easy to evaluate

Identify the Hobart source and permit number from the notice.
Cite the draft condition, Technical Support Document or page.
State the specific change, correction or added condition requested.
Explain why, with a regulation, technical record or other evidence.
Submit before the official deadline and retain confirmation.

When the draft appears

This site will add the complete comment kit

Northshore Gen will post the draft permit, Technical Support Document, public notice, permit number, opening and closing dates, IDEM project manager and the notice’s exact submission instructions as a new document version.

If you want a public hearing, follow the hearing-request instructions in the same notice. IDEM decides whether to hold one and may extend the comment period.

Source boundary: the video’s 30-day explanation is consistent with IDEM’s public-participation guidance. Its separate 45-day EPA review and 60-day petition sequence is not used here because the submitted Hobart application requests a FESOP rather than a Title V permit.

Open the cited-laws guide

Reviewed in application

326 IAC 2-5.1-3

New source construction approval

Plain context: Indiana’s construction-permit review path for a new source that is below the applicable major-source construction thresholds after enforceable limits.

Hobart relevance: Amazon requests a New Source Minor PSD/Emission Offset construction approval.

Application p. 4 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Requested permit framework

326 IAC 2-8

Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit (FESOP)

Plain context: Allows a source that could otherwise trigger Title V to accept federally enforceable limits that keep its potential emissions below major-source thresholds.

Hobart relevance: The application requests a FESOP and calls the proposed source synthetic minor. IDEM must decide the final conditions.

Application p. 4 Application p. 11 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Applies

40 CFR 60 Subpart IIII

Stationary compression-ignition engine standards

Plain context: Federal standards covering certified engine tiers, fuel, operation, hour meters and records.

Hobart relevance: The application identifies this rule as applicable to all proposed diesel engines.

Application p. 6 Application p. 11 Application p. 12 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Applies

40 CFR 60.4211(f)

Emergency-engine runtime categories

Plain context: No federal hourly ceiling for genuine emergency use; generally 100 hours for maintenance/testing and a restricted 50-hour non-emergency subset inside that allowance.

Hobart relevance: Amazon asks for no separate critical-generator hour cap beyond this federal rule, while proposing combined annual emission caps.

Application p. 9 Application p. 12 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Applies

40 CFR 60.4209(a)

Non-resettable hour meters

Plain context: Requires engines covered by the provision to be equipped with a non-resettable hour meter before startup.

Hobart relevance: The application commits to meters and records showing when and why each engine operated.

Application p. 12 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Applies

40 CFR 63 Subpart ZZZZ

Reciprocating engine hazardous-air-pollutant standard

Plain context: Federal NESHAP requirements for stationary reciprocating internal-combustion engines.

Hobart relevance: For these new area-source engines, the application says compliance is met through Subpart IIII.

Application p. 13 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Applies

40 CFR 1090.305

Ultra-low-sulfur diesel requirements

Plain context: Limits sulfur to 15 ppm and includes fuel-quality requirements used by covered engines.

Hobart relevance: The application specifies ULSD or qualifying renewable diesel.

Application p. 5 Application p. 12 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Applies

326 IAC 5-1-2

Lake County opacity limits

Plain context: Limits visible smoke opacity using specified averaging periods and test methods.

Hobart relevance: The application identifies the Lake County opacity standard and its short-duration allowance.

Application p. 13 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Reviewed in application

326 IAC 4-1 and 326 IAC 6-4

Open burning and fugitive dust

Plain context: Restricts open burning and dust crossing a property boundary.

Hobart relevance: The application states no routine open burning and no expected fugitive-dust source.

Application p. 13 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Reviewed in application

326 IAC 6.5-1-2

Particulate emission limitations

Plain context: Sets particulate concentration limits for qualifying Lake County sources.

Hobart relevance: The application discusses applicability where potential or actual particulate emissions meet the rule’s triggers.

Application p. 13 Application p. 14 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Reviewed in application

326 IAC 6-2-1(d)

Particulate emissions from indirect heating

Plain context: Directs qualifying fuel-combustion units that produce heat or power by indirect heat transfer to the particulate formula in section 4.

Hobart relevance: Amazon says the proposed engines do not produce heat or power by indirect heat transfer, so this particular formula would not apply; IDEM reviews that conclusion.

Application p. 13 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Reviewed in application

326 IAC 9

Indiana carbon-monoxide emission rules

Plain context: Indiana’s CO article includes source categories, standards and exemptions.

Hobart relevance: The application claims an exemption because the generators would be subject to federal CO standards and requested synthetic-minor CO limits. That permit position remains subject to IDEM review.

Application p. 14 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Reviewed in application

326 IAC 10

Indiana nitrogen-oxides rules

Plain context: Indiana’s NOx article contains control and trading provisions for specified units and programs.

Hobart relevance: The application concludes that none of the NOx rules in Article 10 applies to the proposed emergency generators. IDEM determines final applicability.

Application p. 14 Amazon Data Services / Ramboll

Federal runtime-use buckets

The 100-hour number is not a universal annual cap

Open the runtime-use rules

No hour ceiling

Genuine emergency operation

Federal §60.4211(f) does not impose an hourly ceiling while a qualifying emergency exists. The reason for operation must be documented.

Up to 100 hours

Maintenance and testing

Per engine, per year under the federal allowance, subject to the rule’s conditions and recordkeeping.

Up to 50 hours

Restricted non-emergency subset

This is inside—not in addition to—the 100 hours and is permitted only for the limited purposes in the federal rule.

Bridge power is not automatically an emergency.A utility schedule problem does not, by itself, rewrite federal operating categories or create authorization for routine power sales.

Multi-Track Approval & Regulatory Pathways

Dated Decisions & Official Records (12)

Ordinance 2024-33: Data Center Standards & Regulations

Ordinance 2025-07: Rezoning Petition 25-02 (R-3 to M-1 with Reversion Condition)

Resolution 2026-02: Real-Property Tax Abatement Agreement (Hobart Tech Park / SBN750)

Resolution 2026-03: Real-Property Tax Abatement Agreement (Hobart Devco / SBN520)

Resolution 2026-04: Enterprise Agreement & Scheduled Contributions

Cause 46322 Final Order: NIPSCO-Amazon Service Contract

Cause 46362 Final Order: GenCo Megaload Resource Portfolio

Project 462383: Standard Design Release (Hobart Tech Park - ACB)

Application 089-50590-00739: FESOP Air-Permit Application

Cause 45D04-2601-PL-000022: Order Confirming ERA & Abatement

Cause 45D11-2512-MI-000644: Case Management Plan & Hearing Notice

NorthWind North 4-Lot Final Subdivision Plat Approval (Item 26-34)

Future Checkpoints & Awaiting Records (6)

Publication of Draft FESOP Air Permit & 30-Day Comment Period

Consolidated Hearing on Motions to Dismiss (Cause 45D11-2512-MI-000644)

Community Contribution #2 ($45 Million)

Initial Electric Utility Service Commencement

MISO Project 51141 345-kV Load Addition In-Service Target

Hobart Tech Park (SBN750) 1-Lot Subdivision Consideration (Item 26-18)

IDEM Application Lifecycle: From Submission to Operating Authority

IDEM Air-Permit Lifecycle & Document-Version History

FESOP & Construction Approval Application Submitted

IDEM Office of Air Quality Receipt & CAATS Tracking Assignment

Internal Engineering Evaluation & Draft Processing Stage

Draft FESOP Permit, Technical Support Document & 30-Day Public Notice

Formal 30-Day Written Public Comment Period & Hearing Review

Final Permit Determination, Enforceable Conditions & Response to Comments

Administrative Appeal Period (Post-Notice of Decision)

Regulatory Authority & Document Boundary

FESOP is not the same as Title V

FESOP / synthetic minor

The Title V EPA timeline

The current path has visible checkpoints

IDEM lists the application in Draft status

IDEM performs technical review and prepares its decision record

Draft notice and formal comments

Notice of Decision

How to prepare and submit a public comment

Watch Lake County notices

Ask to receive notices

Use the future notice

Make the issue easy to evaluate

This site will add the complete comment kit

326 IAC 2-5.1-3

New source construction approval

326 IAC 2-8

Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit (FESOP)

40 CFR 60 Subpart IIII

Stationary compression-ignition engine standards

40 CFR 60.4211(f)

Emergency-engine runtime categories

40 CFR 60.4209(a)

Non-resettable hour meters

40 CFR 63 Subpart ZZZZ

Reciprocating engine hazardous-air-pollutant standard

40 CFR 1090.305

Ultra-low-sulfur diesel requirements

326 IAC 5-1-2

Lake County opacity limits

326 IAC 4-1 and 326 IAC 6-4

Open burning and fugitive dust

326 IAC 6.5-1-2

Particulate emission limitations

326 IAC 6-2-1(d)

Particulate emissions from indirect heating

326 IAC 9

Indiana carbon-monoxide emission rules

326 IAC 10

Indiana nitrogen-oxides rules

The 100-hour number is not a universal annual cap

Genuine emergency operation

Maintenance and testing

Restricted non-emergency subset

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