Elon Musk’s xAI is operating about 50 natural gas turbines at its Mississippi data center. This is a power plant that is currently not regulated by the state due to a loophole.
The power plant is considered a “mobile” power plant by the state of Mississippi because it sits on a flatbed trailer, allowing it to avoid air pollution regulations for a year. The NAACP, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of area residents, said unchecked emissions from the turbines were worsening air quality in an already polluted area. This week it asked the court for an injunction against xAI.
The problem is the “mobile” nature of the turbine. The Southern Environmental Law Center, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of the NAACP, said the turbines were operating in violation of federal law. Under federal law, trailer-mounted power plants may still be considered stationary and subject to air pollution regulations.
XAI has permits for 15 turbines. A previous Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce news release said “approximately half” of the 35 turbines operating in May 2025 will remain on site. However, xAI continued to install more products. Local news reports say there are currently 46 in operation.
