Elon Musk's company xAI is facing a lawsuit over violations of the Clean Air Act related to operations at its Memphis facility. An environmental group has filed claims regarding the use of gas turbines.
Turbines Running Without Permits
According to the notice, xAI reportedly installed and operated at least 35 combustion turbines at its facility known as Colossus to power its AI systems while waiting for a full grid connection. These turbines have been running without the required construction or operating air permits, according to SELC. The group also claims xAI failed to use technologies that could have reduced the amount of pollution released into the air.
Community Concerns and Environmental Impact
The Colossus data center is located in South Memphis, near Boxtown, a predominantly Black neighborhood that already suffers from poor air quality due to nearby industrial activity. The NAACP called the situation an example of environmental racism and stated it is ready to take legal action to protect the community. The group is seeking court-ordered relief, civil penalties, and legal fees.
xAI Yet to Respond
SELC reported that it reached out to local health officials multiple times urging them to take action, but has seen no results. Senior attorney Patrick Anderson stated that the group is now turning to legal means to enforce the law. xAI and the NAACP have not responded to media requests for comment.
Despite the backlash, Musk's company is already planning a second, larger data center in Memphis called Colossus 2. This project is expected to require significant power resources, reflecting xAI's ambitions in the field of artificial intelligence.