NAACP files lawsuit against Elon Musk's xAI over gas turbines in Southaven

The NAACP, along with the Southern Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice, has filed a federal lawsuit against Elon Musk's xAI and its subsidiary, MZX Tech, alleging illegal pollution from unpermitted methane gas turbines in Southaven, Mississippi. The lawsuit claims that these dozens of turbines, which power xAI's Colossus 2 data center in South Memphis and Musk's AI chatbot Grok, are operating in violation of the Clean Air Act. The complaint seeks a court declaration that xAI has violated federal law, an order to cease operation of the unpermitted turbines at the Southaven facility, a mandate for the installation of the best available control technology, and financial penalties for each day of violation. The NAACP highlights that the company's failure to obtain a permit for the power plant, located near homes, schools, and churches, creates significant health risks for families in North Mississippi and Memphis. Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, stated that a data center should not pose a "potential death sentence for a community’s health" and criticized the companies for evading clear air laws. The lawsuit follows a 60-day notice of intent to sue, a requirement under the Clean Air Act, which xAI reportedly ignored by continuing operations. Ben Grillot, SELC Senior Attorney, emphasized the need to hold xAI accountable for its "reckless, unlawful actions."