xAI now has 46 gas turbines without air permits. State officials are ‘evaluating the situation’
xAI has expanded its Southaven, Mississippi data center power generation to 46 unpermitted natural gas turbines, leading to a lawsuit from the NAACP and an injunction request over environmental concerns. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is reviewing the situation, while the Southern Environmental Law Center is challenging the state's permit approval for permanent generators.
Elon Musk's data center company, xAI, has significantly increased the number of unpermitted natural gas generators at its Southaven, Mississippi facility, now operating 46 "temporary-mobile" turbines. These generators power two data centers in Memphis, and xAI plans another large center in Southaven. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) considers these turbines "mobile," allowing them to operate without air permits for up to a year, a classification challenged by environmental groups.
The NAACP filed a lawsuit against xAI last month, and subsequently requested an injunction, citing concerns from Southaven residents about unchecked air emissions and constant noise. Lawyers from the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), representing the NAACP, argue that Mississippi's interpretation of the federal Clean Air Act is incorrect, contending that the turbines should be classified as "stationary" and thus require permits. MDEQ has stated it is "evaluating the situation" regarding the combined emissions from the growing cluster of turbines.
In addition to the temporary-mobile units, the state permit board approved air permits for 41 permanent gas generators at xAI's Southaven site in March. The SELC appealed this decision last month, seeking a hearing. Environmental advocates warn that the facility's toxic emissions, including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and formaldehyde, pose a long-lasting health threat to nearby communities, linked to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and certain cancers.