General Tech
Data centers could erase decades of air quality gains
The rapid growth of data centers in Texas could lead to a surge in air pollution, potentially erasing decades of progress made in reducing emissions. The increased demand for electricity to power these data centers may lead to a reliance on gas, which would exacerbate air pollution issues. This trend is particularly concerning in Texas, which is becoming a hub for the physical infrastructure behind generative AI. The state's air quality was last at this level in the 2000s, and it may take significant efforts to mitigate the impact of these data centers on the environment.