Story perspectives

AI Data Centers Spike Pollution, EPA Rollbacks Threaten Children

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 State of the Air report warns AI data centers are raising air pollution and need emission controls.
It finds 44 % of Americans, half of children, live in unhealthy-air areas.
Counties get grades where 61 million face short-term soot spikes and 75 million endure year-round soot pollution.
Bakersfield-Delano, California, tops the list of cities with worst year-round particle pollution.
The authors criticize recent EPA actions that weakened health protections for children.

1 of 1

Story summary

The 2026 State of the Air report warns AI data centers are raising air pollution and need emission controls.
It finds 44 % of Americans, half of children, live in unhealthy-air areas.
Counties get grades where 61 million face short-term soot spikes and 75 million endure year-round soot pollution.
Bakersfield-Delano, California, tops the list of cities with worst year-round particle pollution.
The authors criticize recent EPA actions that weakened health protections for children.