Amazon has scrapped its plans to connect data centres under construction in Boardman, Oregon, to a natural gas pipeline. 

The decision comes after environmental groups criticized the move as contradicting Amazon's climate pledges. 

The tech giant had planned to utilize TC Energy's Gas Transmission Northwest Xpress Project, drawing enough natural gas to generate 24 megawatts of electricity. That would be equivalent to the amount of electricity needed to power over 19,000 homes.

Amazon's change of plan follows a protest in April by climate activists who blockaded the company's Seattle headquarters. According to the company's climate pledge, it aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and complete reliance on renewable energy by 2025. 

However, the company’s emissions have risen since the pledge was announced four years ago, raising concerns among the climate activists. Natural gas, often touted as a cleaner bridge fuel to renewables, faces increasing scrutiny due to research suggesting its environmental impact can rival coal.

While Amazon declined to comment on the data center's size, opening date, or new power source, a spokesperson confirmed the withdrawal of the natural gas application last month.

“We are engaging thoughtfully with Oregon policymakers, environmental advocates, and the energy sector to meet our shared goal of clean, carbon-free energy that can scale to meet the needs of families, businesses, and other constituents in Oregon,” Amazon said in a statement emailed to The Seattle Times.

Amazon pointed to a previously announced investment in refurbishing turbines at the Leaning Juniper wind farm, aiming to increase its generation capacity by 9%.