Elon Musk’s artificial‑intelligence company xAI is still running gas‑fired turbines at its Southaven, Mississippi data‑center despite a recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruling that such generators require a state permit before operation.
Regulatory clash over permits
Mississippi regulators argue that the turbines, mounted on tractor trailers, are exempt from permitting. The EPA, however, has long held that under the Clean Air Act any such pollution source must obtain a permit.
Thermal images captured by the Floodlight newsroom and examined by multiple experts show more than a dozen unpermitted turbines still emitting pollutants at the plant nearly two weeks after the EPA’s ruling.
“That is a violation of the law,” said former EPA air‑enforcement chief Bruce Buckheit. “You’re supposed to gain permission first.”
Health and community concerns
The turbines power xAI’s controversial chatbot Grok and release pollutants linked to asthma, lung cancer and heart attacks. UC Riverside associate professor Shaolei Ren said the health risks of living near such a power source are well documented.
Southaven residents, including long‑time resident Shannon Samsa, note that at least ten schools sit within two miles of the 114‑acre site and that the constant noise and emissions have become a source of alarm.
From Memphis to Mississippi
xAI’s footprint grew from the Colossus 1 supercomputer in South Memphis, built in spring 2024 near historically Black neighborhoods, to the Colossus 2 facility across the state line in Southaven.
The Southern Environmental Law Center released thermal images in April showing more than 30 unpermitted turbines at the Memphis site. County officials eventually permitted 15 turbines there, but the EPA reiterated in January that all such machines need permits.
Floodlight’s analysis indicates that 15 turbines remain unpermitted at the Southaven plant, with public records showing 18 of the 27 turbines have been used since November.
Playing by a different set of rules
An EPA spokesperson said the agency does not approve turbine operations; permitting is a state or local responsibility. EPA policy states the agency will enforce compliance if a state fails to act.
Mississippi’s Department of Environmental Quality maintains the turbines are classified as portable/mobile units and therefore exempt from permits during a temporary period, asserting that the EPA’s January rule did not change that determination.
Residents such as Krystal Polk, who suffers from asthma, say they were unaware of the plant until fences appeared, and they feel forced to abandon homes because of the noise and pollution.
Future outlook
xAI has applied for a permit to operate 41 turbines at the Southaven site. If approved, the facility could emit more than 6 million tons of greenhouse gases and over 1,300 tons of health‑harming pollutants each year, making it one of the state’s largest fossil‑fuel power plants.
Analysts note that about 75 % of AI data‑center power nationwide comes from natural gas, and renewable or nuclear alternatives are not expected to be deployed at scale until 2028 or later. The pending public hearing on Tuesday 17 February and the open comment period will likely shape whether the expansion proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the EPA say about the turbines?
The EPA maintains that gas‑fired turbines used to power data centers require permits under the Clean Air Act, warning that any exemption could leave the engines without emission standards.
How many turbines are operating without permits?
Thermal imagery shows more than a dozen (at least 15) unpermitted turbines still running at the Southaven facility, with public records indicating 18 of the 27 turbines have been used since November.
When is the public hearing on this issue?
The first and only public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday 17 February, and the public comment period remains open.
What do you think should happen next to balance AI growth with community health?
