# Texas data center expansion and air quality > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/texas-data-center-expansion-and-air-quality > Updated: 2026-10-22T03:39:59.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. A report from the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) indicates that the rapid growth of the data center industry in Texas may reverse decades of progress in air quality improvement. Texas has emerged as a major hub for generative AI infrastructure, with planned capacity reaching 26 GW and at least 288 projects currently in development. The environmental impact is closely tied to energy sources. Researchers note that developers frequently utilize on-site natural gas turbines to bypass grid connection wait times, which can last three to five years. In a scenario where facilities rely on on-site natural gas, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions could increase by nearly 400% by 2031. Even under a “net-zero” scenario using grid power combined with wind and solar, NOx emissions are projected to rise by 35%. To mitigate these risks, HARC officials suggest that data centers be regulated as industrial facilities, requiring strict emission standards and greater transparency regarding pollution levels and energy consumption. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-22: Texas data center expansion threatens air quality gains A new report warns that Texas's massive data center expansion could undo 20 years of air quality improvements, potentially spiking nitrogen oxide emissions if natural gas is used for on-site power. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-data-center-expansion-threatens-air-quality-gains ### 2026-10-19: Texas data centers threaten to reverse air quality progress A new report warns that Texas's growing data center industry could reverse decades of air quality progress, with nitrogen oxide emissions potentially rising up to 400% if powered by natural gas. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-data-centers-threaten-to-reverse-air-quality-progress --- Cite as: Texas data center expansion and air quality. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/texas-data-center-expansion-and-air-quality