Key facts
- SpaceX will operate unpermitted gas turbines powering xAI data centers until July 2027.
- The data centers are located near Memphis.
- SpaceX is transitioning to a permanent natural gas power plant.
- The NAACP is suing xAI over the use of these turbines.
- The Southern Environmental Law Center is suing xAI over the use of these turbines.
SpaceX has announced its intention to continue operating unpermitted gas turbines that are currently powering its xAI data centers located near Memphis, Tennessee. These turbines are slated to remain operational until July 2027, a period during which SpaceX is transitioning to a permanent natural gas power plant. The company's use of these turbines has drawn legal challenges from environmental and civil rights organizations. The NAACP and the Southern Environmental Law Center have jointly filed a lawsuit against xAI, the artificial intelligence company associated with Elon Musk, over the operation of these power sources. The lawsuit raises concerns regarding the environmental impact and the regulatory compliance of the unpermitted turbines. The exact nature of the legal claims and the specific environmental concerns have not been fully detailed in the provided information, but the action signifies opposition to the current power generation methods used by xAI's facilities.