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NAACP threatens to sue Musk’s xAI over Mississippi gas turbines powering data center

Environmental and civil-rights groups allege xAI's 27 gas turbines emit pollutants exceeding Clean Air Act limits, threatening health in frontline communities near Memphis data centers.

  • On Feb. 13, 2026, the Southern Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice filed a notice of intent to sue xAI and MZX Tech LLC on behalf of the NAACP, citing Clean Air Act claims and serving a 60-day notice.
  • At the Stanton Road power plant, public records show xAI installed 27 unpermitted turbines, with 18 turbines used since November to power the Colossus II data center.
  • Thermal imagery and expert analysis show Floodlight's late January images reveal a dozen unpermitted turbines burning gas despite the EPA's recent ruling, while Mississippi state regulators classify them as portable/mobile units exempt from permits.
  • A public hearing on Feb. 17 will consider xAI's permit application estimating over 6 million tons of greenhouse gases and roughly 75% natural gas power, affecting majority-Black neighborhoods.
  • The notice filed February 13 follows a June 2025 60-day notice and previous county permissions for turbines at Colossus 1, highlighting ongoing legal and regulatory challenges.
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The Commercial Appeal broke the news in Memphis, United States on Friday, February 13, 2026.
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