# Data centers could erase decades of air quality gains

> A rush of AI data centers in Texas could bring air pollution back to 2000s levels unless developers switch to renewable energy.
- Title: Data centers could erase decades of air quality gains
- Summary: A rush of AI data centers in Texas could bring air pollution back to 2000s levels unless developers switch to renewable energy. New data centers powering AI…
- Keywords: data centers, air pollution, texas, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, emissions, houston advanced research center, technology, culture, Data, centers, erase
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1015958/data-center-pollution-rising-report
- Author: Justine Calma
- Published: 2026-10-21T22:33:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: data centers, air pollution, texas, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, emissions, houston advanced research center, technology, culture
## Texas becomes AI data center hub
A rush of new data centers powering generative AI is coming to Texas, which has become ground zero for the physical infrastructure behind the technology.
## Pollution could return to 2000s levels
If all planned data center projects connect to Texas's electricity grid using the anticipated power mix, soot and smog-forming pollutants would skyrocket within five years, according to the Houston Advanced Research Center.
## Specific pollution increases projected
Fine particle pollution would more than triple to its highest level since two thousand six.Smog-forming NOx emissions would increase one hundred thirty-six percent, approaching two thousand four levels.
## Renewable energy could cut pollution
NOx emissions could be up to ten times lower if data centers pair grid power with renewable electricity generated onsite, but many developers are choosing less efficient gas turbine technology instead.
## Texas leads in data center capacity
Texas has twenty-six gigawatts of existing and under-construction data center capacity and is bracing for four times more proposed capacity running on onsite power than any other state, according to Wood Mackenzie.
## Decades of progress at risk
John Hall, HARC CEO, warned that progress from decades of work to reduce emissions is now at risk. There is a good chance that our children and grandchildren will breathe dirtier air than we did.

> There is a good chance that our children and grandchildren will breathe dirtier air than we did.
## Key takeaway

New data centers powering AI could triple soot pollution and increase smog-forming emissions by one hundred thirty-six percent in Texas within five years, wiping out decades of air quality improvements.