environment
February 15, 2026
Nobody Wants This
Thermal drone footage reveals that the company xAI continues to burn gas at its facility in Southaven, Mississippi.
TL;DR
- xAI's facility in Southaven, Mississippi, is reportedly using over a dozen unpermitted gas turbines that continue to burn gas.
- The EPA requires permits for such pollution sources under the Clean Air Act, but Mississippi regulators argue mobile turbines are exempt.
- Thermal drone footage confirms the ongoing operation of unpermitted turbines at the xAI plant.
- Residents are worried about health impacts, including respiratory issues and cancer, due to emissions from the turbines powering xAI's Grok chatbot.
- Concerns are amplified by the facility's proximity to schools and residential areas, with plans for further expansion.
- Similar issues have been reported at xAI facilities in Tennessee, where permits were eventually approved for some turbines after public pressure.
- The EPA has stated that state authorities are responsible for permits, but also has a duty to oversee state agency compliance.
- The expansion of data centers like xAI's, and their reliance on fossil fuels, is a growing concern across the US.
Continue reading the original article