Musk’s xAI is running nearly 50 gas turbines unchecked at its Mississippi data center
Quick Answer
Elon Musk's xAI operates nearly 50 natural gas turbines at a Mississippi data center, exploiting a regulatory loophole that classifies them as 'mobile' to avoid pollution controls.
Quick Take
The NAACP has filed a lawsuit citing worsening air quality due to unchecked emissions, arguing the turbines violate federal law.
Key Points
- xAI's turbines are mounted on flatbed trailers, avoiding state air pollution regulations.
- The NAACP's lawsuit seeks an injunction against xAI due to air quality concerns.
- Currently, xAI operates 46 turbines, despite permits for only 15.
- The Southern Environmental Law Center claims the turbines violate federal law.
- Local reports indicate the area is already facing significant pollution issues.
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Elon Musk’s xAI is running nearly 50 natural gas turbines at its Mississippi data center, power plants that the state is currently not regulating thanks to a loophole.
The power plants are considered “mobile” by the state of Mississippi because they are sitting on flatbed trailers, thus allowing them to dodge air pollution regulations for one year. The NAACP, which has filed a lawsuit on behalf of residents in the area, says the unchecked emissions from the turbines is worsening air quality in an already polluted region. This week, it asked the court for an injunction against xAI.
At issue is the “mobile” nature of the turbines. The Southern Environmental Law Center, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of the NAACP, says the turbines are being operated in violation of federal law, which states that power plants mounted on a trailer can still be considered stationary and subject to air-pollution regulations.
XAI has been granted permits for 15 of its turbines. A Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce press release previously said that “about half” of the 35 turbines in operation in May 2025 would remain on-site. However, xAI has continued to install more. Currently, it’s operating 46, according to a local news report.
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