Amazon Texas Data Center Could Become Biggest US Climate Polluter
Amazon's planned Pecos County data center could emit 33 million tons of CO2 yearly, testing its 2040 climate pledge after emissions rose 16% last year.
Summary
TechCrunch's Anthony Ha reported on August 8, 2026, citing The New York Times, that Amazon is investing in an on-site natural gas power plant for a planned data center in Pecos County, Texas. The plant is permitted to release 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, more than any other US power plant, potentially making it the country's largest source of climate pollution. Amazon confirmed the data center would use new on-site generation and said it would not increase electricity costs for Texas families.
AI has already significantly affected Amazon's footprint: the company reported that carbon emissions rose 16% last year despite its pledge to eliminate them by 2040. The impact could deepen as Amazon and other technology companies support huge natural gas plants for energy intensive data centers. Amid growing political opposition to data centers, partly over power bills, an Amazon spokesperson said the world has changed since Amazon co-founded the Climate Pledge but maintained that its commitment is unchanged.
Positives
- Amazon says new on-site generation will keep the Pecos County data center from raising electricity costs for Texas families.
- Amazon maintains its commitment to eliminate carbon emissions by 2040 despite last year's 16% increase.
- Amazon publicly acknowledged that conditions have changed since it co-founded the Climate Pledge.
Risks & concerns
- The natural gas plant is permitted to emit 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, more than any other US power plant.
- Amazon's carbon emissions rose 16% last year, with AI already exerting a significant impact.
- Natural gas would power the planned Pecos County data center, potentially worsening Amazon's climate footprint.
- Data centers face growing political opposition partly because of their effect on electricity costs.