Amazon Is Creating the Biggest Pollution Source in the Country

Amazon is set to construct the largest gas power plant in the nation, potentially surpassing the country's biggest coal power plant in pollution output. The company has purchased land and obtained permits in Pecos County, Texas, for an AI data center fueled by a 7.65 gigawatt gas power plant. Known as GW Ranch, the site will initially operate independently from Texas's power grid.

Permits from the state allow for the proposed power plant to emit 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, making it the nation's largest pollution source.

The project, which includes three data center buildings scheduled for immediate construction upon approval, has already begun land clearing according to satellite imagery. Amazon claims it has 10 gigawatts of carbon-free energy powering its existing Texas data centers, with GW Ranch utilizing brackish groundwater unsuitable for irrigation or drinking.

However, this may not prevent public opposition. Data centers have become a contentious issue nationwide, with both Republicans and Democrats opposing them due to their lack of job creation, economic benefits, and potential to raise utility rates and cause power disruptions. Furthermore, the use of a gas power plant for the project will offer little solace to locals concerned about environmental impact, even though it is smaller than the largest U.S. coal plant.

The rural, Republican-dominated Texas landscape harbors growing opposition to the project, which could ignite a significant backlash.