A rush of new data centers in Texas could push air pollution levels to pre-2000s highs, according to new research. The demand for electricity from these centers is driving up soot and smog-forming pollutants. If all proposed projects are powered by the anticipated grid mix, decades of air quality improvements could be erased. However, building solar and wind farms onsite could significantly reduce emissions. Texas, with 26 gigawatts of data center capacity, is at the forefront of this environmental challenge. HARC CEO John Hall warns that 'our children and grandchildren will breathe dirtier air than we did,' unless developers embrace renewable energy sources. The transportation sector and other stakeholders have been working for decades to reduce emissions, and this progress is now at risk.