Musk’s Data Center: Unauthorized Use of Gas Turbines Sparks Environmental Scandal

New details about the exposed practices at Elon Musk’s facilities point to serious violations of environmental law and potential harm to public health.

The “Colossus 2” data center (DC), owned by xAI, a subsidiary of Elon Musk, has found itself at the center of an environmental scandal. According to the investigation, the company is operating 59 powerful gas turbines without the proper permits, resulting in significant emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. This situation worsens environmental inequality, as a large share of the affected population is Black, and the data centers themselves are located near communities that have historically suffered from industrial pollution.

Impunity or Technological Necessity?

Journalistic investigations revealed that xAI installed 59 temporary mobile gas turbines without going through the required approval procedures. These turbines, intended to meet the energy needs of a large-scale data center, emit thousands of tons of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. This is not the first time Musk’s companies have been accused of similar practices. Last year, operation of the “Colossus 2” data center included 30 gas turbines, although only 15 were applied for.

xAI representatives claim they are using 27 turbines without permits, calling it a “temporary solution.” They also say the other turbines do not require permits because they are not stationary installations and will be moved within a year. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued an order отменяющее all existing exemptions. Although changes are now being considered that could provide regulatory flexibility for mobile installations, the current situation remains critical.

Environmental Crisis and Social Justice

The core of the problem is that connecting new large-scale data centers to public power grids requires lengthy modernization and approval procedures that can take years. In xAI’s case, which aims to realize ambitious projects in artificial intelligence and computing power, this could potentially delay development. The target capacity of 1 GW requires significant infrastructure investment.

At the same time, obtaining permits to operate large energy facilities under the Clean Air Act is also a lengthy process. This pushes companies, including xAI, to bypass the law in order to achieve their strategic goals. Notably, although the “Colossus 2” data center itself is located in Tennessee, a significant portion of the turbines (at least 57 of 59) is located outside the state, in neighboring Mississippi.

In March, Mississippi authorities issued xAI a permit to install 41 stationary turbines. However, xAI and environmental authorities insist that the turbines in question are mobile and do not require specific permits, and also do not fall under the stationary-installation permit.

This situation has caused a strong outcry among local residents living near the “Colossus 2” data center. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has filed a lawsuit against xAI, which recently rebranded and is now called SpaceXAI following a merger with SpaceX. The organization claims that operating the turbines without the proper permits has led to a catastrophic increase in emissions: nitrogen oxide by 111%, PM2.5 particulate matter by 83%, and formaldehyde by 88%.

Health Impacts and Demographic Observations

Journalistic investigations showed that just 30 of the 59 gas turbines could emit 2,500 tons of nitrogen oxide, 4,000 tons of CO, and 22 tons of formaldehyde annually. These figures significantly exceed the Clean Air Act limits for turbines operating without permits, which stand at 100 tons of nitrogen oxide.

Scientific studies have repeatedly proven the direct negative impact of such pollutants on the health of people living within an 8-kilometer radius of pollution sources. Interestingly, according to census data, the local communities in the risk zone are predominantly Black. The “Colossus 2” data center is located on the border of two states: Tennessee and Mississippi. Population data analysis covers two counties: DeSoto (Mississippi), where 46% of the population is Black, and Shelby (Tennessee), where this figure reaches 94%.

This confirms findings from separate studies indicating that areas with predominantly Black populations are more likely to experience disproportionately high levels of air pollution. In response to growing pressure, SpaceXAI recently announced special conditions for residents living near the “Colossus 1” and “Colossus 2” data centers: a 50% discount and free rental of Starlink satellite equipment. However, such measures are unlikely to fully satisfy the needs and demands of local residents who are calling for a clean environment and their right to a healthy life.