Elon Musk’s xAI is operating nearly 50 natural gas turbines at its data center in Mississippi, as these power plants currently evade state regulation due to a loophole.

The state of Mississippi classifies these power plants as “mobile” since they are positioned on flatbed trailers, allowing them to bypass air pollution regulations for a year. The NAACP, representing local residents, claims that the unregulated emissions from the turbines are deteriorating air quality in an already polluted area. This week, they sought a court injunction against xAI.

The controversy centers around the “mobile” classification of the turbines. The Southern Environmental Law Center, which represents the NAACP in the lawsuit, argues that the turbines are being operated contrary to federal law, which stipulates that plants mounted on trailers can still be regarded as stationary and must adhere to air pollution regulations.

XAI has received permits for 15 of its turbines. A press release from the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce previously stated that “approximately half” of the 35 turbines operational in May 2025 would stay on-site. However, xAI has continued to add more. Currently, reports indicate that it is running 46 turbines.