Texas data-center boom threatens air quality gains, report warns
A Houston Advanced Research Center report warns that planned data centers in Texas could drive a large increase in power-sector soot and smog-forming pollution. Under the expected grid mix, fine particle pollution could more than triple and NOx emissions could rise 136%, reaching levels not seen since 2006. The outcome depends on whether developers and utilities use gas turbines or cleaner energy.
A Houston research group examined three scenarios for electricity demand from data centers in Texas. If all proposed projects joined the grid and drew on the expected power mix, power-plant fine particles would more than triple and smog-forming NOx would climb 136 percent, returning to levels last recorded in the mid-2000s.
Texas already has 26 gigawatts of data-center capacity operating or under construction, the most in the country. A separate March report found that plans for data centers with their own power supply are four times greater than in any other state, and some builders are choosing lower-efficiency gas turbines to shorten construction timelines.
The report suggests that Texas residents, especially children, could face higher exposure to soot and smog if planned data centers rely on gas-fired power. Utilities and developers may shape those outcomes through siting and clean-energy choices, while speculative projects could reduce projected demand. The debate may affect public health, electricity planning, and local air quality.