The new wave of data centers being proposed for Texas could generate a massive upswing in air pollution, according to a new report from the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP).
TheHill.com reports that more than 100 new gas power data center projects are currently being considered by Texas regulators, with more than 30 already receiving permits. The EIP report warned that if all of these projects were constructed, they could emit as much pollution each year as 27 million new cars and trucks.
The EIP added that the oil and gas pollution generated by these projects could include a mix of carcinogens, asthma-inducing compounds and particles that would burrow into lungs. The new report also pointed out that three proposed plants were classified by state regulators in the Clean Air Act category of minor sources of pollution, even though they would be large enough to power a medium-sized city.
“To meet its increasing demand for electricity, Texas should be encouraging more clean energy instead of feeding public subsidies to dirty fossil fuels,” said EIP Executive Director Jen Duggan.
