local
Texas leads nation in proposed power plants for data centers, which would emit greenhouse gases
By Alejandra Martinez and Hien An Ngo, The Texas Tribune at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 2, 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 leas...
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 The Waco
The proliferation of data centers in Texas, particularly in counties like Comal and Bexar, raises concerns about the local impact of increased power demand on the state's grid. As the number of proposed data centers grows, so does the likelihood of strain on local infrastructure, potentially leading to higher electricity bills for residential customers. The fact that many of these data centers are opting to build on-site natural gas plants instead of relying on the state grid may alleviate some of this pressure, but it also introduces new environmental concerns. McLennan County residents, while not directly mentioned in the report, should be aware of the potential for similar projects to be proposed in their area, given the county's proximity to other affected regions. As the state continues to attract data center projects, local officials will need to carefully balance the economic benefits of these developments with the potential environmental and infrastructural costs.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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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 leas...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alejandra Martinez and Hien An Ngo, The Texas Tribune at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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