Data centers an ‘increasing source’ of air pollution in U.S., report says

The American Lung Association's annual "State of the Air" report for 2026 identifies artificial intelligence data centers as a growing source of air pollution in the United States. The report warns that communities located near large data center clusters often experience higher localized pollution burdens than regional averages. Data centers contribute to poor air quality primarily through their significant power consumption, relying heavily on regional electricity grids powered by fossil fuels such as methane gas and coal. These energy sources emit fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other ozone-forming pollutants. Additionally, many data centers install diesel-powered backup generators, which release nitrogen oxides and carcinogenic diesel particulate matter, with clusters of such generators in major data center hubs like Northern Virginia potentially rivaling small power plants in total permitted emissions. Amidst the escalating demand for new data centers driven by AI, the American Lung Association recommends powering these facilities with clean electricity and transitioning to clean power and storage resources instead of diesel backup power to ensure cleaner air. This report comes as there is pronounced local opposition to proposed data center development in Lackawanna County and elsewhere in Northeast Pennsylvania. Residents frequently cite fears regarding air pollution, water impacts, electricity demands, and overall quality of life, despite industry promises of tax revenue and jobs. The report also provided air quality grades for various Northeast Pennsylvania counties, noting Lackawanna County received a "D" for particle pollution and a "C" for high ozone days.