xAI faces legal trouble for running unpermitted gas turbines

Elon Musk’s company, xAI, is in hot water for operating its massive data center, Colossus, near Memphis without proper permits. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), representing the NAACP, claims xAI has been using up to 35 gas turbines without approval, violating the Clean Air Act. These turbines, which power the supercomputer, can produce over 400 megawatts of energy but release harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides, worsening air quality in an already struggling region.

The SELC sent a notice to xAI, giving them 60 days before a lawsuit is filed. They argue the turbines emit thousands of tons of smog-causing chemicals yearly, harming nearby communities, especially predominantly Black neighborhoods. Aerial photos taken in March showed 35 turbines at the site, and thermal images later confirmed most were running.

Although xAI removed some turbines after public outcry, recent images from June revealed 26 still in use, including three new ones. Local officials, like the Shelby County Health Department, once said xAI’s turbines didn’t need permits, but the SELC insists no such exemption exists. xAI claims it follows all laws and is working to reduce emissions. The case highlights concerns about environmental justice, as Memphis residents demand cleaner air and accountability from big corporations.