EPA: xAI illegally used natural gas generators
▼ Summary
– The EPA ruled that Elon Musk’s xAI illegally operated dozens of natural gas turbines to power its Tennessee data centers.
– xAI had argued the turbines were exempt from regulations due to temporary use, but the EPA disagreed and declared a violation.
– The operation drew opposition from local communities and legal groups due to increased ozone and particulate emissions.
– The company was operating up to 35 turbines, but only 15 were ultimately permitted for use.
– As of the report, xAI now has 12 turbines providing power to its data centers in the region.
The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that xAI, the artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk, has been unlawfully powering its Tennessee-based Colossus data centers with dozens of natural gas turbines. The agency issued a final ruling this week, concluding a process that lasted more than a year, and found the company in violation of federal regulations. xAI had contended that the turbines were exempt from these rules because they were being used on a temporary basis, an argument the EPA ultimately rejected.
This situation has sparked significant concern among local residents and environmental groups. The operation of these power generators has drawn legal action, with a lawsuit alleging that xAI contributed to increased ozone and particulate matter emissions in a region already struggling with air quality issues. At the peak of the activity, the company was reportedly running as many as 35 natural gas turbines, though only 15 of them had received the necessary permits. Following the regulatory scrutiny, xAI has scaled back its operations; the company currently uses 12 turbines to provide electricity for its data center facilities in the area.
(Source: TechCrunch)
