Overview
- Federal regulators clarified that trailer‑mounted gas turbines are not exempt non‑road engines and require Clean Air Act permits, finding xAI operated them unlawfully at its Colossus 1 site in Memphis.
- Shelby County had allowed xAI to run the turbines without standard public review, but the EPA update overrides that approach and could slow further build‑outs in the area.
- Reporting says xAI is using dozens of similar generators at a second Colossus location in Alabama, extending the compliance questions beyond Memphis.
- President Donald Trump is expected to unveil a plan to make Big Tech bid on 15‑year power‑generation contracts to help fund new capacity as AI lifts electricity demand.
- Microsoft signaled support for higher utility charges to cover true power costs, while local advocates cite pollution concerns near Colossus and legal groups say they will monitor xAI’s operations under the revised rules.