XAI Faces Scrutiny Over Memphis Gas Turbine Permits

Elon Musk's xAI has received a permit from the Shelby County Health Department to operate 15 methane gas turbines at its Memphis data center, despite ongoing community protests and environmental concerns. Local residents and advocacy groups allege xAI previously operated up to 35 turbines without proper permits, increasing pollution in predominantly Black neighborhoods. The permit mandates that xAI must install best available emissions control technology by September 1, 2025, and sets strict emissions limits, with non-compliance triggering daily fines and possible regulatory action. Environmental groups and the NAACP—which has threatened to sue for Clean Air Act violations—remain skeptical, citing unaddressed turbines and past unpermitted operations. xAI asserts the facility will be the lowest emitting of its type, but independent studies and air quality tests have raised doubts about its environmental impact. The company is also installing Tesla battery Megapacks and aims to reduce reliance on gas turbines as more grid capacity becomes available.