Data centers could erase decades of air quality gains

A rapid increase in data center construction across Texas to support generative AI infrastructure threatens to reverse years of progress in air quality improvements. Because these facilities require massive amounts of electricity, local power grids are relying more heavily on fossil-fuel plants to meet demand. This shift could push regional pollution levels back to those last observed in the early 2000s, complicating efforts to maintain clean air standards in areas experiencing high density in tech infrastructure development.