Environmental groups threatened a lawsuit on July 22 against the developers of two far West Side San Antonio data centers, alleging that the projects bypassed mandatory pollution controls and public reviews required under the Clean Air Act, according to notices cited by Texas Public Radio. The legal challenge targets Vantage Data Centers campuses located at 14270 Omicron Drive and 5207 Rogers Road.
Allegations of Bypassed Permits and Unregulated Emissions
The legal action involves the Environmental Integrity Project, the Sierra Club, and Public Citizen. These organizations contend that Vantage and power provider VoltaGrid improperly divided the data centers and their associated generating equipment into smaller, separate pollution sources to qualify for less stringent state permits, according to Public Citizen Texas Director Adrian Shelley. One of the campuses is currently operating, while the other remains under construction. Shelley stated on Texas Public Radio that if the facilities and their power plants were permitted collectively, they would trigger a major permit classification requiring public notice, formal pollution controls, and structured opportunities for public comment.
The disputed facilities feature on-site, behind-the-meter natural gas plants alongside more than 150 diesel backup generators. Environmental Integrity Project Executive Director Jen Duggan noted that these power systems emit particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde. Duggan emphasized that Bexar County already violates federal health standards for ozone, heightening local air quality concerns.
Corporate Responses and Regulatory Timelines
The notice of intent to sue, filed on July 22, initiated a mandatory 60-day waiting period before a formal Clean Air Act citizen lawsuit can proceed in court. Duggan confirmed that the companies received invitations to respond but had not done so prior to public broadcast discussions. Vantage and VoltaGrid did not participate directly in the radio program, but they released a written statement late Tuesday addressing the situation.
“Vantage Data Centers is aware of the notice issued by Sierra Club and Public Citizen regarding our San Antonio campuses,” the companies stated. “We take our environmental responsibilities seriously and are committed to operating in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. While we do not comment on pending legal matters, we have worked closely with the appropriate regulatory agencies throughout the development of these projects and will review the allegations set forth in the notice. Vantage remains committed to supporting the growth of critical digital infrastructure while being a responsible neighbor and steward of the communities where we operate.”
Local residents have raised parallel concerns regarding the infrastructure. Messages shared with KSAT included specific complaints concerning strong gas odors and potential gas leaks near the sites. Members of the public can address air quality concerns directly during an upcoming Texas Commission on Environmental Quality hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on August 17 in San Antonio, which will focus on Vantage’s proposed federal operating permit for the Omicron Drive campus.