Residents challenge xAI permit at hearing
Photo: Residents filled a conference room at the NWCC Ranger Center for a public hearing on the xAI permit application. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — Residents pressed state regulators Tuesday night to reject a proposed air permit for xAI’s Southaven power‑generation project, urging the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to weigh community health, noise concerns and long‑term environmental impacts before making a final decision.
The public hearing, held at the Northwest Mississippi Community College’s Ranger Center, is part of the state’s formal permitting process. MDEQ will now review all comments, conduct a technical evaluation and prepare a recommendation for the Mississippi Environmental Quality Permit Board, which has the authority to approve, modify or deny the permit. The project also requires review under federal Prevention of Significant Deterioration rules, meaning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may weigh in before any final action.
The draft permit would authorize 41 permanent natural‑gas turbines to power a large data‑center operation. Many residents argued the project would worsen air quality in a fast‑growing county already struggling with pollution.
“We’re being asked to shoulder the pollution so a private company can run a massive data center,” Southaven resident Linda Carter said. “Our families breathe this air every day. We deserve better.”
Others criticized the ongoing operation of 27 temporary turbines, which have run since August under a one‑year exception. Several residents described a persistent low‑frequency hum they say has disrupted sleep and daily routines.
“It’s constant,” said James Holloway, who lives near the site. “We were told the noise would be temporary. It hasn’t been temporary at all.”
Environmental groups urged MDEQ to conduct a cumulative impact analysis before issuing any permit. Representatives from the NAACP called the proposal “an environmental justice failure,” arguing it would disproportionately affect northern DeSoto County neighborhoods.
Although none spoke in favor of the project at the hearing, supporters have pointed to the state’s multibillion‑dollar economic development announcement tied to xAI, saying the facility represents a major investment in Mississippi’s future.
MDEQ officials emphasized that the hearing was only one step in the process. “All comments will be reviewed before the permit board considers final action,” an agency representative said.
If the permit is approved or denied, any aggrieved party — including residents, organizations or the applicant — may appeal the decision to Chancery Court, with potential further review by the Mississippi Supreme Court.
MDEQ will now compile responses and prepare its recommendation for the state permit board.
