# Texas data center boom could reverse air quality gains

> A new report warns that planned AI data centers in Texas may triple soot and double smog pollutants within five years if they rely on the current power mix.

Oossa · 2026-10-21 · https://oossa.com/en/texas-data-center-boom-could-reverse-air-quality-gains

A study by the Houston Advanced Research Center says the surge in data centers for generative AI could push Texas air pollution back to early‑2000s levels. If every new and proposed center draws power from the state grid as projected, fine‑particle (soot) emissions would more than triple, NOx (smog‑forming) gases would rise 136 %, and CO₂ would jump 90 % above 2025 levels. The researchers modelled three demand scenarios and found the worst case would erase decades of air‑quality improvements.

## What drives the risk?

Texas already hosts 26 GW of existing and under‑construction data‑center capacity, the most of any state. Many developers plan to add power on‑site, often using gas turbines that are quick to build but emit more pollutants than renewable sources. The report notes that pairing grid power with onsite solar or wind could cut NOx emissions by up to 90 % compared with the gas‑turbine path.

## The facts

- The HARC report projects soot emissions could more than triple in five years if all planned data centers use the anticipated Texas grid mix.
- NOx emissions could rise 136 % under the same scenario, approaching 2004 levels.
- Carbon dioxide emissions from data centers could climb 90 % above 2025 levels.
- Texas currently has 26 GW of data‑center capacity, the highest in the U.S.
- Onsite renewable power could cut NOx emissions up to tenfold compared with gas‑turbine generation.

## Why it matters

If the worst‑case scenario unfolds, residents near new data centers could face noticeably poorer air quality, affecting health especially for children and the elderly. Choosing renewable on‑site power or waiting for cleaner grid connections could keep those pollution spikes from materialising.

## Sources & references

1. [Data centers could erase decades of air quality gains](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1015958/data-center-pollution-rising-report) – The Verge, 2026-10-21

Last updated: 2026-10-21