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Shelby County announced on July 2, 2025, that it would grant xAI an air permit covering 15 natural-gas turbines at the company’s South Memphis data center. TechCrunch reported that the permitted Solar SMT-130 units can generate up to 247 megawatts (MW) in total. That permit coverage is distinct from claims about additional turbines at the site, and its emissions limits are not measurements of what the units actually emitted.
What the July 2025 permit covers
The Shelby County Health Department announced its decision on July 2, 2025. TechCrunch reported the permit authorizes 15 Solar SMT-130 natural-gas generators with combined generating capacity of up to 247 MW. The capacity figure applies to those 15 permitted units; it should not be read as the capacity or complete generator count for the entire data center.
The available reporting describes the permit and its conditions, but is not the complete permit file. It does not establish whether the permit was later amended, expired, or otherwise changed.
Reported emissions limits are ceilings, not measured pollution
TechCrunch reported that the permit sets rolling 12-month emissions limits and requires xAI to maintain emissions records. The reported limits are:
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| Pollutant | Reported rolling 12-month limit |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen oxides (NOx) | 87 tons |
| Carbon monoxide | 94 tons |
| Volatile organic compounds | 85 tons |
| Particulate pollution | 73 tons |
| Hazardous air pollutants | Nearly 14 tons, including 9.8 tons of formaldehyde |
These figures are limits reported by TechCrunch, not actual emissions totals. The sources cited here do not provide independently published measurements of the facility’s emissions.
Why the permit was contested
Environmental and community organizations opposed the permit decision. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), which represented the NAACP in the dispute, said xAI began operating the data center in June 2024 and alleged that the company installed 35 gas turbines without permits. SELC also said a satellite image dated July 1, 2025, showed at least 24 turbines at the site. Those are the organization’s allegations, not an official agency inventory; they do not establish how many units were covered by the permit.
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In its July 2, 2025, announcement, SELC Senior Attorney Amanda Garcia criticized the county’s decision: “The decision to give xAI an air permit for its polluting gas turbines flies in the face of the hundreds of Memphians who spoke out against the company’s permit request.”
The dispute included whether an exemption for temporary operation applied. The Associated Press reported that the NAACP and an environmental group sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue in June 2025. AP also reported xAI’s statement: “The temporary power generation units are operating in compliance with all applicable laws.” The sources cited here do not establish that a court resolved the competing claims.
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What remains unclear
The reporting reviewed here does not establish the data center’s current turbine inventory or operating status, its measured emissions, the full text or expiration date of the permit, or the outcome of any later appeal or enforcement action. Those details require current official records; the reported 15-unit permit and the groups’ claims about other turbines should not be treated as a complete, current accounting of the site.
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- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R 20A Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R 30A, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R 50A; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 500cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve with Automatic Low Oil and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Shutdown, and Digital Hour Meter
- Plug-and-Play: Comes with a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, and Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
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Sources
- Southern Environmental Law Center, July 2, 2025
- TechCrunch, July 3, 2025
- Associated Press, June 2025
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