Musk’s xAI data center continues permitless gas expansion, NAACP says
Elon Musk's xAI is accused by the NAACP and environmental groups of installing 11 new unpermitted gas turbines at its Mississippi plant, increasing its total to at least 57. The groups, who sued xAI in April, claim the company is operating without necessary permits and pollution controls. They also allege that xAI is misleading Mississippi regulators regarding these expansions.
The NAACP and other environmental advocacy groups allege that Elon Musk's xAI has significantly expanded its Mississippi gas plant, which powers its artificial intelligence products, by installing 11 new turbines since mid-May, bringing the total to at least 57. These turbines are reportedly operating without the necessary permits and legally required pollution controls.
The groups filed a lawsuit against xAI and a subsidiary in April, asserting that the company has been operating unlawfully since beginning operations near the Tennessee-Mississippi border approximately a year ago. They further updated their complaint, accusing xAI of inconsistent and late disclosures to Mississippi's Department of Environmental Quality regarding the newly installed turbines. The turbines are allegedly emitting five times the nitrogen oxide of the nearby Memphis International Airport.
This situation unfolds amidst growing public concern over the environmental and community impacts of the expanding data center industry, with the Trump EPA having previously indicated a stance of supporting the AI economy and delegating regulatory decisions to state and local authorities.