NAACP sues xAI for ‘unpermitted’ gas turbines in Southaven

The NAACP, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice, has filed a federal lawsuit against xAI and its subsidiary, MZX Tech, over the unlawful operation of dozens of unpermitted methane gas turbines powering the companies' Colossus 2 data center in Southaven, Mississippi. The lawsuit, filed in the federal district court for the Northern District of Mississippi, accuses xAI of violating the Clean Air Act by operating 27 gas turbines without required air permits. The NAACP is seeking a court declaration of these violations, a forced cessation of turbine operations, the installation of best available control technology, and financial penalties for each day federal law was violated. Abre’ Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, stated that the unpermitted power plant, located near homes, schools, and churches, poses significant health risks to families in North Mississippi and Memphis due to emissions of smog-forming nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and cancer-causing formaldehyde. The lawsuit follows a 60-day notice of intent to sue sent to xAI in February, which the company allegedly ignored by continuing its operations. This legal action comes despite the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality having approved plans for 41 gas turbines at the xAI facility in Southaven just a month prior in March. Ben Grillot, SELC Senior Attorney, emphasized that xAI must be held accountable for its