Environmental groups threaten lawsuit over San Antonio data centers
Environmental groups are threatening a federal lawsuit against Vantage Data Centers and VoltaGrid, alleging they violated clean air laws by constructing two San Antonio data center campuses without required major source permits. The groups claim the developers' on-site gas and diesel generators are major pollution sources, circumventing public input and pollution controls with the EPA and TCEQ's allowance. They demand a resolution within 60 days or plan to file suit in federal court.
Environmental groups, including the Environmental Integrity Project, Sierra Club, and Public Citizen, have issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue data center developers Vantage Data Centers and VoltaGrid. The groups allege the companies violated the federal Clean Air Act by obtaining less stringent minor source permits for two data center campuses in San Antonio, despite their on-site gas-fired and diesel generators being major sources of air pollution. They claim this circumvents public input, pollution control technology, and monitoring requirements.
Kristin Henry, managing attorney for the Sierra Club, stated that developers cannot disregard the Clean Air Act and that the public is paying attention. The groups criticize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for allowing the developers to proceed without the required major source permits. These permits would mandate pollution controls, monitoring, and public hearings.
The data centers, located at 14270 Omicron Drive and 5207 Rogers Road, are equipped with two gas-fired power plants and 151 backup diesel generators totaling 423 megawatts, capable of powering nearly 20% of San Antonio's households. Environmental groups estimate these plants could emit thousands of tons of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide annually.
Vantage Data Centers Vice President of Global Marketing, Mark Freeman, acknowledged the notice and stated the company's commitment to compliance and review of the allegations. State Senator Roland Gutierrez and San Antonio residents have also voiced concerns about air quality, water resources, user privacy, and strain on the electric grid related to these projects.