local
Planned Texas data centers could emit more greenhouse gases than many countries
By Texas Tribune, By Evan Simon, Floodlight at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 9, 2026
· 15 min read
This story is from Floodlight, a nonprofit newsroom that investigates the powers stalling climate action. Sign up for Floodlight’s newsletter here.Omaira Garcia didn’t realize life on her small ranch in Abilene was about to change forever until clouds of dust — kicked up by a mysterious construct...
Key takeaway The Air Force veteran said she was never told about OpenAI’s plans to build its flagship “Stargate” data center directly beside her property until well after construction began in the summer of 2024.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The proliferation of data centers in Texas, including those planned for the San Antonio area, raises concerns about the environmental impact on local communities. As the city of Terrell Hills and surrounding areas continue to grow, the demand for data storage and processing will likely increase, making it crucial to consider the potential effects of these facilities on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. The fact that nearly 60 data centers nationwide are planning to build their own gas plants to power their operations suggests that the trend of relying on fossil fuels to satisfy energy demands is not limited to Abilene, where the Stargate data center is being built. In the context of Terrell Hills, it is essential to monitor the development of data centers and their accompanying power plants, ensuring that the economic benefits they bring do not come at the cost of environmental degradation and negative impacts on public health.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 15 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? This story is from Floodlight, a nonprofit newsroom that investigates the powers stalling climate action. Sign up for Floodlight’s newsletter here.Omaira Garcia didn’t realize life on her small ranch in Abilene was about to change forever until clouds of dust — kicked up by a mysterious construct...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, By Evan Simon, Floodlight at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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