The surge of new AI data centers in Texas threatens to reverse decades of air quality improvements, potentially pushing pollution back to 2000s levels. The environmental outcome hinges on whether massive electricity demands are met through gas turbines or renewable energy, but early signs are concerning.
Background
Texas has become a major hub for AI data center construction, driven by cheap land, deregulated energy markets, and rising AI computing demands. Decades of clean air regulations have significantly reduced pollution in the state.
- Source
- The Verge
- Published
- Oct 22, 2026 at 06:33 AM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10