Concerns are mounting over air quality near artificial intelligence (AI) data centers operated by xAI, the company founded by Elon Musk and recently merged with SpaceX. Investigations reveal that the company is continuing to utilize gas-powered turbines without obtaining necessary permits, potentially violating the Clean Air Act and impacting nearby communities.
Thermal imaging captured by Floodlight newsroom shows ongoing operation of more than a dozen unpermitted turbines at xAI’s facility in Southaven, Mississippi, even after a ruling from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reiterated that such operations require state permits. State regulators in Mississippi maintain that because the turbines are mounted on tractor trailers, they are exempt from permitting requirements. However, the EPA has consistently maintained that these pollution sources fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Air Act and require permitting.
Bruce Buckheit, a former EPA air enforcement chief, stated that the continued operation of these turbines without permits constitutes a violation of the law. “You’re supposed to get permission first,” he said, after reviewing the thermal images and EPA regulations.
xAI has not responded to multiple requests for comment. The EPA, while reaffirming its stance on permitting requirements, deferred questions to local authorities.
The situation in Southaven follows similar concerns raised last year regarding xAI’s data center in Memphis, Tennessee. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) released thermal images in showing more than 30 unpermitted gas-powered turbines operating at that site. While some permits were eventually obtained for the Memphis facility, the issue highlighted a broader pattern of xAI’s approach to regulatory compliance.
Health Implications of Turbine Emissions
The turbines used by xAI burn natural gas, releasing pollutants linked to a range of adverse health effects. These include particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other compounds known to exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma, and contribute to more serious health problems such as lung cancer and heart attacks. The risk of health complications is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including children and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Shaolei Ren, an associate professor at UC Riverside specializing in the health impacts of datacenters, emphasized the documented risks associated with living near these types of power plants. “From the health perspective, we know that Here’s not good.”
Residents near the Southaven facility have expressed concerns about noise and air pollution. Krystal Polk, a longtime resident living across the street from the plant, described the area as once quiet and serene, now disrupted by constant noise and pollution. She has asthma and is considering leaving the area due to health concerns.
Expanding Footprint and Regulatory Challenges
xAI is actively seeking to expand its operations in Southaven, applying for a permit to operate 41 turbines at the site. If approved, the facility could emit over 6 million tons of greenhouse gases and more than 1,300 tons of health-harming air pollutants annually, potentially making it one of the largest fossil fuel power plants in the state. The company also plans to build a third datacenter in Southaven, creating a massive complex spanning both Tennessee and Mississippi.
The increasing reliance on fossil fuels to power the growing demand for AI is raising concerns about the industry’s environmental impact. A recent report by Cleanview found that roughly 75% of the power used by datacenters comes from natural gas, despite industry commitments to renewable energy sources. The report noted that while many companies announce plans for renewable energy, these are often not scheduled to come online until 2028 or later.
The situation in Mississippi highlights a broader challenge for regulators struggling to keep pace with the rapid growth of the AI industry and its increasing reliance on custom-built or ad hoc power sources. The disagreement between state and federal guidance in Southaven exemplifies this regulatory disconnect.
A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for , and the public comment period remains open. Residents and environmental groups are urging Mississippi authorities to prioritize public health and enforce federal air quality standards.
The NAACP has filed a notice of intent to sue xAI, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act and disproportionate pollution impacts on Black communities in Mississippi. This follows a similar notice filed last regarding the company’s Memphis facility. Abre’ Conner, the NAACP’s director of environmental and climate justice, stated that the pollution “only exacerbates complications to frontline communities who continue to bear the brunt of environmental injustice.”
