Mississippi residents have filed a class-action lawsuit against Elon Musk's xAI and SpaceX, representing an estimated 10,000+ people, over a $20bn gas-fired power plant in Southaven that powers AI data centres. The complaint alleges round-the-clock noise and vibrations constitute negligence and public nuisance, causing emotional distress and reduced property values. The case is part of a broader national backlash: over 70 cities have passed data centre bans or moratoriums, the NAACP previously sued xAI over Memphis-area environmental violations, and the Justice Department has signalled potential federal intervention. US utilities plan to spend $1.4tn powering AI infrastructure by 2030, with the burden increasingly falling on nearby communities.
