Mississippi Agency Upholds Air Permit for SpaceXAI Data Center Power Plant
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has rejected an appeal challenging an air permit granted to SpaceXAI for its data center power plant in Southaven, Mississippi. Environmental activists had argued the permit was flawed and would lead to harmful…
Memphis, TN, November 11, 2026 — The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has officially rejected an appeal that sought to overturn an air permit issued to SpaceXAI. The permit allows for the construction and operation of a data center power plant in Southaven, Mississippi.
The appeal was filed by environmental activists who raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of the facility. Their primary argument centered on the assertion that the air permit was flawed and could result in harmful emissions. Specifically, activists pointed to the planned use of 41 methane gas turbines intended to power the data center, a facility located near Memphis.
In its decision, the MDEQ Permit Board reviewed the arguments presented by the appellants. After deliberation, the board concluded that there was insufficient evidence provided to substantiate the claims made against the air permit. Consequently, the MDEQ’s original decision to grant the permit to SpaceXAI stands.
The ruling means that SpaceXAI can proceed with the development of its data center power plant as planned, based on the existing permit conditions. The MDEQ’s findings indicate that the concerns raised by environmental groups did not meet the threshold required to revoke or amend the permit.
Story summarized from the original created by Lydian Coombs (Kennin) on www.actionnews5.com, see more information here.
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