Elon Musk’s xAI operates nearly 50 natural gas turbines at a data center in Mississippi, a power plant currently unregulated by the state thanks to a loophole.
In Mississippi, the power plants are considered “mobile” because they are located on flatbed trailers, allowing them to avoid air pollution regulations for a year. The NAACP, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of residents in the area, contends that unchecked emissions from the turbines are worsening air quality in the already polluted area. This week, the company asked a court for an injunction against xAI.
At issue is the “mobility” of the turbine. The Southern Environmental Law Center, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of the NAACP, claims the turbines are being operated in violation of federal law. The law states that trailer-mounted power plants are still considered stationary and subject to air pollution regulations.
XAI has received permits for 15 turbines. A press release from the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce previously announced that “approximately half” of the 35 turbines still in operation would remain on site as of May 2025. However, xAI continues to install more. According to local news, 46 machines are currently in operation.
