Texas AI expansion sparks environmental scrutiny and university education push

An investigation of AI data centers in Texas found that developers are exploiting a permitting loophole to build gas‑powered plants with minimal public review. At least 15 planned plants could emit more than 130 million tons of greenhouse gases each year – an amount comparable to 35 new coal‑fired power stations. The report also identified over 2,000 approved backup diesel generators, raising concerns about asthma, heart attacks and premature death. “These numbers show they could emit up to the equivalent of 35 new coal‑fired power plants,” said Floodlight producer Evan Simon.

At the same time, Texas Christian University announced a $10 million investment in AI education, partnering with Dell Technologies, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services. The university is launching an interdisciplinary AI certificate that will be open to students from any major. “AI isn’t going to take your job, but someone who knows AI will definitely take your job,” said Reuben Burch, vice provost for research at TCU. The initiative aims to prepare graduates for an AI‑enabled workforce.