American Lung Association Focuses On Data Centers Powered by Fossil Fuels
By Drew Williamson
© 2026 Williamson News Service LLC
The rapid growth of data centers that rely on fossil fuels is placing the health of Arizona residents at increased risk, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).
The ALA recently released its 26th annual “State of the Air” report that ranks Arizona as the 4th worst state for ozone pollution. Ozone pollution has been linked to asthma, heart attacks, stroke, and premature death, according to the report (https://www.lung.org/research/sota/for-the-media).
Air pollution associated with data center electricity demand already imposes billions of dollars per year in public health costs in the United States, driven by increased healthcare spending and lost productivity, according to the ALA report.
“We understand that they (data centers) will exist,” said JoAnna Strother, Senior Advocacy Director for the ALA in Arizona and the Southwest. She urged the use of cleaner energy sources, such as solar, wind and geothermal, instead of older fossil-fuel sources, such as coal, oil and natural gas, that rely on pollution-producing combustion.
The air quality report is especially relevant as the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is scheduled on May 6th to consider a proposal for a 700-megawatt data center with an on-site power generating plant. The Baccara Project, which will be located north of Olive Avenue and west of Litchfield Road, proposes 18 turbine generators powered by burning natural gas (https://www.projectbaccara.com/).
“Combustion emits chemicals harmful to health,” Strother said. Not only is heat uncomfortable but it helps produce ozone, she said. Using natural gas to generate electricity, even for back up purposes, is discouraged, she said.
An organized opposition group has formed against the building of the Baccara project (https://stopbaccara.com/what-you-need-to-know.html).
Emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants produce other pollutants in addition to ozone. Anybody who is outside alot, working or exercising, or anybody who lives near a fossil fuel powerplant is at risk from air pollution. The report estimated that more than 560,000 Maricopa County residents are at an even greater risk if they fall into one of the following categories:
1. Children
2. Older Adults
3. Pregnant Women
4. People with Underlying Health Conditions
5. People Experiencing Poverty
6. People with a History of Smoking
Federal action to roll back the Clean Air Act is threatening to undo more than 50 years of hard work to improve the environment, Strother said. Air quality has started to decline over the last 2-3 years, she said. Strother urged people to get active and voice their support for the environment to their elected officials at all levels. The message:
“Please don’t set us back!”
Drew Williamson is a freelance writer in Arizona. His professional expertise includes newspaper reporting and editing, advertising sales and management, and investment advising and retirement planning. He has a BA in Journalism/Political Science from the UA in Tucson and a MBA in Strategic Management from ASU in Tempe. He is a proud member of the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).