Elon Musk’s xAI data centre’s rapid construction may face ‘problem’ with this updated US law
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has closed a loophole that was reportedly exploited by Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI. The previous rule helped the company to rapidly build its first data centre in Memphis, Tennessee, a report claims. According to a CNBC report, the company built an off-grid power plant for its Colossus facility using a cluster of gas-burning turbines and avoided air pollution permitting by classifying the turbines, mounted on trailers, as “non-road engines”.
The EPA’s updated rule clarifies that these turbines cannot be designated as non-road engines, and companies must also obtain Clean Air Act permits before installing them, particularly if their aggregate emissions exceed “major source thresholds” of pollution.
