EPA rules that xAI’s natural gas generators were illegally used

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, illegally operated dozens of natural gas turbines to power its Colossus data centers in Tennessee. xAI had claimed that the turbines were used temporarily and thus exempt from regulatory oversight, but the EPA disagreed, issuing a final ruling after more than a year of investigation. The agency found that xAI violated environmental regulations by operating more turbines than permitted and contributing to increased ozone and particulate emissions in an already polluted area. Local communities and legal groups had raised concerns about the environmental impact of the power plants. While xAI operated up to 35 turbines, only 15 were officially permitted, and currently, 12 turbines remain in operation at the site. The EPA’s decision underscores the company’s failure to comply with air quality regulations designed to protect public health and the environment.