Environmental groups sue developers of two San Antonio data centers over air pollution permits

Environmental groups have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to halt the construction and operation of two data centers in San Antonio, Texas, developed by Vantage and VoltaGrid. The lawsuit, brought by the Environmental Integrity Project, Sierra Club, and Public Citizen, alleges that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) improperly issued minor pollution source permits to the facilities, which are building natural gas power plants and installing diesel generators near residential neighborhoods.

The groups contend that the data centers, located on Omicron Drive and near Rogers Road on the far west side, should have been required to obtain more stringent major pollution source permits, which would mandate better pollution controls and greater public engagement. David Thompson, a local resident, expressed concerns about the environmental impact on his family.

Adding to the controversy, Texas Governor Abbott has ordered the TCEQ to stop issuing permits to data centers statewide until a state audit of the permitting process is completed in December. The environmental groups are seeking preliminary relief from the court to stop construction and operation until proper controls are installed and appropriate permits are secured. Vantage and VoltaGrid have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the lawsuit.