Musk’s xAI startup runs nearly 50 gas turbines without inspection at its data center in Mississippi

Elon Musk’s xAI company operates nearly 50 natural gas turbines at its data center in Mississippi, power plants that are not currently regulated by the state due to a loophole.

The power plants are considered “mobile” by the state of Mississippi because they are erected on flatbed trailers, allowing them to evade air pollution regulations for one year. The NAACP, which filed a lawsuit on behalf of residents in the area, says uncontrolled emissions from the turbines worsen air quality in an already polluted area. This week, it asked the court to issue an injunction against xAI.

This has to do with the “mobile” nature of turbines. The Southern Environmental Law Center, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of the NAACP, says the turbines are being operated in violation of federal law, which states that trailer-mounted power plants are still considered stationary and subject to air pollution regulations.

XAI has obtained permits for 15 of its turbines. A press release from the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce previously said that “about half” of the 35 turbines operating in May 2025 will remain at the site. However, XAI continued to install more. Currently, 46 are operating, according to a local news report.