TLDRThe US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled that Elon Musk’s xAI datacenter in Tennessee used methane gas turbines illegally by not obtaining air quality permits. The EPA revised its policies, stating that even temporary or portable gas turbines require permits. This ruling is a victory for Memphis activists who have been protesting the additional pollution from the datacenters in already overburdened communities.

Source: The Guardian January 17, 2026 15:04 UTC