Amazon's new Texas AI data center could become the biggest CO2 polluter in the US — 7.65GW facility gets permit to spread 33 million tons of annual greenhouse gases, despite Amazon's clean energy pledge

Amazon's Texas-based artificial intelligence (AI) data center project has been approved with a permit to release an estimated 33 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, potentially making it the largest CO2 emitter in the United States. The Pecos County facility, set to generate up to 7.65 gigawatts (GW) of power, will utilize 35 natural gas turbines.

Despite Amazon's publicly stated commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 through the Climate Pledge, the company's own CO2 emissions have been increasing as it accelerates AI infrastructure development.

Amazon's spokeswoman, Margaret Callahan, defended the company's commitment to reducing emissions, stating that it remains "fully and genuinely committed" to the cause. However, industry analysts and environmental groups warn that such large-scale gas-powered data centers could have significant environmental and health impacts on surrounding communities.

Michael Thomas, founder of Cleanview, notes that this move by Amazon could signal a broader trend of hyperscale companies opting for on-site gas power plants instead of relying on the strained electricity grid. Environmental advocates argue that the Trump administration's support for fossil-fuel energy sources, over renewable alternatives, has contributed to this shift.