Public hearing set for proposed gas-fired power plant related to xAI in Southaven
State environmental regulators will hold a public hearing next month on a proposal to construct a large gas-fired power generation facility in Southaven, giving residents and other interested parties a formal opportunity to comment before a decision is made on an air pollution permit.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has scheduled the hearing for Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the M.R. Davis Public Library, 8554 Northwest Drive, according to a notice issued by the Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board.
The hearing concerns an application by MZX Technology LLC, associated with xAI, to obtain an initial Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) construction permit for a proposed electric power generation facility at 2875 Stanton Road in Southaven.
According to MDEQ documents, the project would involve construction of a behind-the-meter natural gas–fueled power plant consisting of 41 permanent turbines. The proposal includes 17 Solar PGM-130 turbines, 16 Solar Titan 350 turbines, and eight ProEnergy 6000PE turbines, with a combined continuous generating capacity of approximately 1.2 gigawatts.
MDEQ states the facility would be classified as a PSD major stationary source, meaning its emissions have the potential to exceed federal thresholds for regulated air pollutants. The agency estimates the facility could emit more than 250 tons per year of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide, triggering additional regulatory requirements under federal and state clean air laws.
The turbines would be equipped with emissions control technologies, including selective catalytic reduction systems, oxidation catalysts, and low-emissions combustion controls, according to the permit application. No cooling towers or black-start engines are proposed for the site.
Under state law, public comments — either delivered in person at the hearing or submitted in writing — become part of the official record the Permit Board will review before deciding whether to approve, modify, or deny the permit.
The hearing is the only guaranteed opportunity for members of the public to speak on the record before the board makes its determination.
Written comments may be submitted to Jeffrey Bland, public hearing officer for MDEQ, and must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 17. Comments can be submitted electronically, by mail, or by hand delivery, according to MDEQ.
MDEQ officials emphasize that public testimony must be limited to environmental and pollution-related issues. Topics the Permit Board may consider include air emissions, potential health impacts, water usage, stormwater runoff, and effects on nearby waterways, wildlife, and natural resources.
Comments related to zoning, traffic, noise, economic development, property values, or job creation will not be considered as part of the permit review. Those matters fall under the jurisdiction of local zoning and planning authorities, the agency said.
All comments made during the hearing will be transcribed and included in the Permit Board’s file. After reviewing public input and technical documentation, the board will issue a final decision. Parties aggrieved by that decision may request a formal evidentiary hearing and, ultimately, seek review in chancery court.
Additional information, including the draft permit and statement of basis, is available through MDEQ’s Public Records Request Office and on the agency’s website.
