xAI operating 46 temporary gas turbines in Mississippi without air permits, state says

Elon Musk's data center company, xAI, is operating 46 temporary "mobile" natural gas turbines at its Southaven, Mississippi site without required state air permits, according to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The MDEQ considers these turbines, mounted on flatbed trailers, to be mobile and thus exempt from air permits for up to a year. However, xAI has increased the number of units from 18 to 46, using them to power existing data centers in Memphis and a planned large center in Southaven. The NAACP sued xAI last month over the lack of permits, requesting an injunction after the number of temporary turbines grew to 33. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), representing the NAACP, also appealed a state permit board's March decision that approved air permits for 41 permanent gas generators at the Southaven operation. Lawyers from the SELC argue that Mississippi is misinterpreting the federal Clean Air Act by treating the turbines as mobile units, stating they have the potential to emit a "staggering amount of toxic air pollution." Pollutants like nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and formaldehyde are linked to serious health issues, and residents have reported constant noise and unchecked emissions.