xAI Memphis Data Center Faces Legal Dispute Over Pollution Emissions From Fossil Fuel Turbines Legal Issues xAI and Unlicensed Gas Turbines
The xAI data center in Memphis is facing a major lawsuit for operating more than 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines without proper permits. Tennessee environmental laws were violated when the company installed at least 35 turbines and other sources of pollution without project permits or operating under air protection laws.
A report by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) found that xAI violated the law requiring 60 days of notice before formal litigation, raising public concerns about NOx and formaldehyde emissions that exceeded EPA standards.
The Impact of xAI Turbines on Air Quality in Memphis
xAI faces lawsuit for operating more than 400 MW of gas turbines without a license.
Not the "clean environment" model as advertised.
Even AI needs to comply with regulations.
— Cyril Gupta (@cyrilgupta) June 18, 2025
SELC determined that these turbines are capable of emitting more than 2,000 tons of NOx per year, contributing to the formation of smoky gases – a significant pollutant. At the same time, these turbines also emit formaldehyde levels that exceed EPA standards.
Memphis authorities have stated that this area is on the list of areas with the worst air quality in the Southern United States, especially in 2024, Memphis is known as the asthma capital of the country due to the unusually high rate of hospitalizations and deaths from this disease.
XAI and the loopholes in the licensing process
According to the SELC report, xAI did not obtain proper permits from federal and local regulators before installing the turbines. The company was also accused of operating the equipment without proper emissions controls. At its peak, the center was capable of generating up to 421 megawatts of electricity from its gas turbines.
Meanwhile, the Shelby County Health Department has confirmed that, for the first year of operation, xAI will not require a permit. However, the NAACP has expressed concern that the county has allowed xAI to operate outside of its legal framework, contributing to increased public health risks, including cancer rates four times higher than the national average.
Interim solutions and advanced plans
After connecting to the grid, xAI made some temporary adjustments. In March, the company hired aerial videographers to survey the state of the turbines around the data center. Thermal images taken in April showed that nearly all 33 turbines were still operating, and several new turbines had been installed since.
The temporary natural gas turbines will be removed over the next two months, according to a statement from the Memphis Chamber of Commerce. Some turbines will remain in operation as backups, pending the completion of a second substation that will connect the data center to the grid.
SELC found that as of June 15, at least 26 turbines remained in operation, including three new turbines installed since the April survey, with a total capacity of approximately 407 MW – almost identical to previous data.
New regulatory requirements and responsibilities of relevant organizations
SELC emphasizes that all new emissions sources in Tennessee must have a permit before they begin operations to ensure emissions quality control. This is especially important for large gas turbines like xAI’s to avoid causing environmental pollution and negative impacts on public health.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson said that artificial intelligence is developing rapidly and could bring great benefits to humanity if properly regulated. But he condemned businesses like Elon Musk for putting economic interests ahead of the health of the American public, causing long-term consequences that cannot be ignored.
Source: https://tintucbitcoin.com/xai-kien-vi-turbine-khi-400-mw-trai-phep/
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