Mississippi Residents Sue Over Health Effects From AI Data Center Noise
Residents of Southaven, Mississippi filed a lawsuit in June 2026 alleging that noise and vibrations from a power plant operating xAI data centers are causing sleep deprivation and health problems. The plant, equipped with natural gas turbines to power xAI's Colossus data center, emits constant high-pitched noise that has reportedly affected multiple residents living within a mile of the facility.
What happened
Residents of Southaven, Mississippi filed a lawsuit in June 2026 against xAI and its subsidiary MZX Tech alleging that a power plant emits "near-constant" noise and vibrations affecting homes within a mile of the facility.
The plant operates 59 natural gas turbines to power xAI's Colossus data center in Memphis, which went online in September 2024. Resident Jason Haley reported being awakened at 4 a.m. by constant high-pitched noise and vibrations.
Reported impact
Residents allege the noise is causing negative physical and psychological health effects including sleep deprivation. Haley reported his ears ringing from the noise and stated he could not live with the conditions.
Governance controls
Mayor Darren Musselwhite acknowledged the noise problem in November 2025 emails to Haley, stating "I am aware of the noise and working on a solution with xAI officials." When Haley continued reporting problems, Musselwhite reportedly advised him to "Consider selling" his home.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.