Texas data center boom could erase decades of air quality progress

A new report warns that the state’s air quality progress could be reversed by the end of the decade, especially if facilities use natural gas power.

The report, from the Environmental Defense Fund, found that the rapid growth of data centers in Texas could lead to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.

The report’s authors note that the state’s air quality has improved significantly over the past few decades, but this progress could be undone by the end of the decade if data centers continue to rely on natural gas power.