local
Texas leads nation in proposed power plants for data centers, which would emit large amounts of greenhouse gases
By Texas Tribune, By Alejandra Martinez, Graphics By Hien An Ngo at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 1, 2026
· 6 min read
Texas is poised to lead the nation in power plants built to fuel data centers, according to a new report from an environmental watchdog group that warns the plants plan to emit tons of greenhouse gases and air pollution that will cause significant climate impacts and risks to human health. At lea...
Key takeaway The report comes as Texas finds itself at the center of the nation’s AI boom, with at least 248 projects planned statewide, according to a Texas Tribune analysis.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The proliferation of data center power plants in Texas, particularly in Bexar County and surrounding areas, raises concerns about the local environmental and health impacts. With 32 proposed power plants statewide, including some in nearby Comal and Caldwell counties, residents in Alamo Heights and the broader San Antonio area may face increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The potential for over 14,000 tons of fine particulate matter and 20,000 tons of nitrogen oxides to be emitted annually is alarming, given the established links to respiratory illnesses and heart disease. As the city of Alamo Heights continues to grow and develop, it is crucial for local leaders to consider the long-term consequences of hosting these power plants and weigh the economic benefits against the potential health and environmental costs. The city's residents will be watching closely to see how these projects are regulated and managed to mitigate any adverse effects on the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 6 min
Get more Alamo Heights News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Texas is poised to lead the nation in power plants built to fuel data centers, according to a new report from an environmental watchdog group that warns the plants plan to emit tons of greenhouse gases and air pollution that will cause significant climate impacts and risks to human health. At lea...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, By Alejandra Martinez, Graphics By Hien An Ngo at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter