# Data centers could erase decades of air quality gains

https://mins.news/en/item/110261

- The Verge, 2026-10-21 22:33 UTC
- Tech
- Original: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1015958/data-center-pollution-rising-report

> A Texas study warns that a surge in data centers could drive air pollution sharply higher within five years, undoing decades of progress. HARC modeled major increases in soot, smog-forming emissions and carbon dioxide if planned projects use the anticipated grid mix. Onsite renewables could curb pollution, while gas engines could worsen it.