# HARC says data centers could erase decades of Texas air-quality gains

- Published: 2026-10-21T22:33:44.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-22T10:04:40.387Z
- Section: Market
- Topics: Hardware, Society, Research
- Page: https://aidailyjournal.com/en/n/2026/10/21/harc-says-data-centers-could-erase-decades-of-texas-air-quality-gains/
- Sources: [The Verge](https://theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1015958/data-center-pollution-rising-report)

## Summary

A Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) report estimates that if all planned data center projects in Texas connect to the grid and use its projected power mix, fine-particle pollution from the power sector will more than triple in five years, reaching its highest level since 2006. Smog-forming NOx emissions would rise 136%, while carbon dioxide emissions would be 90% above 2025 levels, the report says.

HARC modeled three energy-demand scenarios and says onsite renewable power could cut NOx emissions by up to 10 times. Gas engines built to avoid grid-connection delays, however, could produce the highest pollution levels. The Verge reports that Texas has 26 gigawatts of existing and under-construction data center capacity; a Wood Mackenzie report published in March says the state also has four times more proposed onsite-powered capacity than any other state.

## Why it matters (editorial interpretation)

HARC’s projections suggest that data center expansion in Texas could create a conflict between demand for AI infrastructure and previous air-quality gains. The report also indicates that choosing between onsite renewable power and gas engines could significantly change the emissions associated with these projects.

_Summary written by AI Daily Journal in its own words, based on the sources above. For details, read the original articles._