Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is currently operating nearly 50 natural gas turbines at its data center in Mississippi. These power plants are able to bypass state regulation due to a legal loophole—they are classified as “mobile” by the state simply because they sit on flatbed trailers. This designation allows the turbines to avoid air pollution regulations for a full year.

The NAACP has filed a lawsuit on behalf of local residents, arguing that the unchecked emissions from these turbines are worsening air quality in a region that is already heavily polluted. This week, the organization asked the court to issue an injunction against xAI. The central issue revolves around whether the turbines should truly be considered mobile. The Southern Environmental Law Center, which represents the NAACP in the case, contends that the turbines are being operated in violation of federal law. According to federal standards, power plants mounted on trailers can still be deemed stationary and therefore subject to air pollution regulations.

So far, xAI has obtained permits for 15 of its turbines. A previous press release from the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce indicated that “about half” of the 35 turbines in operation as of May 2025 would remain on site. However, xAI has continued to add more units. According to a local news report, the company is now running 46 turbines at the facility.