New Data Centers in Texas Could Erase Air Quality Gains

New data centers planned in Texas could push air pollution in the state back to levels seen in the 2000s if their electricity needs are met by the current grid mix. According to the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) report, particulate matter and smog-forming pollutants could increase significantly over the next five years.

As Texas becomes a central hub for the physical infrastructure of generative AI, the massive electricity demand of new data centers is raising environmental concerns. Whether developers source this energy from renewable resources or gas turbines will determine the scale of air pollution. According to the HARC report, if all planned data centers are powered by the projected grid mix, fine particulate pollution from the electricity sector will more than triple, reaching its highest level since 2006. Smog-forming NOx emissions would surge by 136 percent, while carbon dioxide pollution could rise 90 percent above 2025 levels. On the other hand, these scenarios are not certain. While many data center projects are in the speculative phase, developers installing on-site wind and solar energy can limit the environmental impact. However, opting for on-site gas engines to bypass grid connection timelines could further increase pollution risks. HARC CEO John Hall stated that decades of efforts to reduce emissions are at risk because of this trend.