Mississippi permit board approves xAI turbine expansion amid resident concerns

The Mississippi state permit board voted unanimously Tuesday to approve xAI’s request to expand its gas turbine operations in Southaven, despite ongoing objections from local residents. The decision came three weeks after a town hall in Southaven where dozens expressed concerns over noise, air emissions, and the facility’s proximity to homes, according to sources.

Residents, including community organizer Shannon Samsa, voiced fears about the impact of dozens of new turbines at the nearby generator station. Samsa told reporters she felt a sense of ‘dread’ about the expansion, which would involve building 41 permanent turbines to power xAI’s data center operations. The company, owned by Elon Musk, recently announced plans to establish a new center in Southaven as well.

At Tuesday’s hearing, xAI representatives highlighted supposed technological advances in emission controls and claimed their turbines would meet air quality standards. Officials from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and EPA stated modeling showed the emissions would remain compliant. However, residents remained skeptical about the safety and transparency of the process.

Neighbors living less than half a mile from the site reported hearing a constant humming noise from existing turbines, which are permitted under a mobile exemption that does not require emission tracking. Some residents have already moved away due to noise concerns, according to testimony at the hearing.

Emails obtained by the Southern Environmental Law Center suggest state officials were eager to expedite the permit approval. A December email indicated a deadline of Jan. 15 for public notice, with a rush to finalize the permit. Critics, including the NAACP and environmental groups, condemned the process as rushed and lacking adequate public involvement. They also criticized the timing, which coincided with election day and was only announced five days prior.

Following the decision, residents and advocacy groups indicated plans to pursue legal action over the permit’s approval, citing violations of the Clean Air Act. The permit was approved by all six members present, with one member absent. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality responded to inquiries Monday, citing routine meeting schedules and the public comments provided to the board.

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