Could data centers cause more air pollution in Texas?
A study from the Houston Advanced Research Center warns that Texas' expanding data center industry could reverse progress on some air pollutants, depending on how facilities are powered and how many are built. Several projects are planned or under construction around Taylor and Bastrop County; one Taylor developer says it will reduce at least 90% of nitrogen oxide emissions, while two Bastrop County developers did not comment.
Researchers at the Houston Advanced Research Center modeled several scenarios for data center growth and energy demand in Texas through 2031. Their findings indicate that the industry's effect on air quality will depend largely on the facilities' power sources and the total number of projects completed.
The issue is particularly relevant in Central Texas, where multiple data centers are planned or under construction in Taylor and Bastrop County. A developer in Taylor said its facility would neutralize at least 90% of nitrogen oxide emissions, while two other developers in Bastrop County did not respond to CBS Austin's requests for comment.