6 data centers hit by lawsuits as Microsoft, xAI battle millions in damages — dozens of gas turbines bypassing dBA monitors plague two US states

Microsoft and xAI are facing a wave of lawsuits in the United States over environmental and noise concerns linked to their data center operations. Residents in Wisconsin have filed a class-action lawsuit against Microsoft, alleging that low-frequency noise from its Fairwater facility is not being captured by standard dBA monitoring equipment, causing significant distress. Meanwhile, in Mississippi, xAI is being sued over claims of noise, vibration, and air pollution caused by dozens of gas turbines powering its Southaven data center. Plaintiffs in both cases argue that these companies failed to implement adequate mitigation strategies, such as acoustic barriers or better soundproofing. These legal challenges, which mirror similar disputes in New Jersey, Michigan, New York, and Texas, highlight growing tensions between local communities and the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure. As these cases proceed, they raise critical questions regarding noise measurement standards and corporate responsibility in infrastructure development.