Texas AI Data Centers Threaten Air Quality Progress

A Houston Advanced Research Center report warns Texas's AI data centers, leading the U.S. with 26 gigawatts planned, could reverse decades of air quality progress within five years. If powered by the grid's current mix, fine particle pollution would triple, nitrogen oxides would surge 136%, and carbon emissions would jump 90%. Onsite renewables could cut nitrogen oxide emissions tenfold, but developers choose gas turbines for speed, risking public health and regulatory crackdowns.