Amazon Building Nation’s Dirtiest New U.S. Power Plant to Power Giant AI Data Center – Shame On Them!
For Immediate Release: August 9, 2026
Contact: Gabrielle Levy, glevy@cacampaign.org, (562) 673-6974
CAC’s Margie Alt: Amazon Building Nation’s Dirtiest New U.S. Power Plant to Power Giant AI Data Center – Shame On Them!
Washington – This week, The New York Times revealed Amazon’s plans to build a giant natural gas plant in Texas that could become the largest single source of climate pollution in the country. Margie Alt, Director of the Climate Action Campaign, released the following statement in response:
“Amazon had a choice and, without hesitation, it chose dirty power over clean; its own profits over the health and wellbeing of millions of Americans. Instead of building a modern, clean energy source to power its increased AI driven electricity demand, Amazon chose to invest in a massive natural gas power plant to fuel its giant Texas data center. That plant will spew more than 33 million tons of carbon dioxide a year, potentially making it the single largest source of climate pollution in the country – more than double the pollution of America’s dirtiest coal plant. During this excessively hot and dry summer, riddled with forest fires and unbearable air pollution, a move like this is truly unacceptable.
“This isn’t innovation. It’s yet another major corporation dodging accountability. Despite its massive resources, Amazon is shirking its own responsibility and the industry’s promises of computing progress without the economic or health burdens to local communities.. The result of that broken promise is that communities will pay the consequences with their health and their wallets. Growth should be smart and safe for all Americans. If tech giants want to power an AI revolution, they must build the clean energy and upgrade the grid in ways that are necessary to power that revolution without saddling families already struggling with dirtier air and higher bills. Progress shouldn’t come at the expense of the rest of us just to power billionaires’ ambitions. Shame on you, Amazon!”
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About the Climate Action Campaign
Climate Action Campaign (CAC) is a vibrant coalition driving ambitious, durable, equitable federal action to tackle the climate crisis. By cutting carbon pollution and accelerating the transition to clean energy, we will improve public health and create a more resilient economy and a more sustainable future for all.
