Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI recently received permission to use methane generators at a large data center in Memphis, Tennessee, the United States. The local health department approved the application for 15 generators on Wednesday, which has sparked strong opposition from the community and environmentalists, who believe it will pollute the surrounding environment. KeShaun Pearson, director of the local environmental nonprofit organization "Memphis Against Pollution Community," said: "Our local leaders are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting us from corporate violations of our right to clean air, but we have witnessed their failure."
xAI established a data center in Memphis about a year ago. To meet its massive power demand, the company introduced dozens of mobile methane generators. Although xAI initially did not have permits for the generators, it seems to have found a legal loophole that allows it to use them for up to 364 days. Although xAI applied for permits for 15 generators in January, photos show that it was operating as many as 35 generators on-site at that time. After months of public forums and community protests, the Shelby County Health Department finally issued the permit. Satellite images shared by the Southern Environmental Law Center show that at least 24 generators are still operational at xAI's facility.
A spokesperson for xAI stated in a statement: "We welcome today's decision. Our on-site power generation facilities will be equipped with advanced emission control technology, making this facility the lowest-emitting of its kind in the country." However, environmental groups question whether xAI's power usage is truly low-emission. Research conducted by the Southern Environmental Law Center suggests that these generators have the potential to emit thousands of tons of harmful nitrogen oxides, as well as toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde.
Environmentalists say the decision to issue an air permit to xAI completely ignored the voices of hundreds of Memphis residents opposing the company's application. Amanda Garcia, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, pointed out that the health department allowed "another polluter to establish itself in this already overburdened community without appropriate protective measures."
xAI's facility is located in an industrial area of Memphis, surrounded by multiple residential areas where residents have long struggled with pollution. This area has historically been predominantly a Black community, with higher rates of respiratory diseases and asthma, and lower life expectancy compared to other parts of the city. Studies show that the cancer risk in these communities is four times the national average. Due to xAI's pollutant emissions and its proximity to the Black community, the NAACP civil rights organization has expressed concern and has filed a lawsuit against xAI, accusing it of violating the Clean Air Act by illegally installing and operating methane generators.
Abre’ Conner, Director of the NAACP's Environmental and Climate Justice Program, said in a statement on Thursday: "While the NAACP is pleased that xAI's 15 generators now need to adhere to higher transparency and accountability... this decision ignores the voices of the community. We remain committed to holding xAI and the health department accountable."
Key Points:
🌍 xAI's data center in Memphis was approved to use 15 methane generators, triggering protests from environmental groups and the community.
🏭 The company previously used a legal loophole to operate up to 35 generators without formal permits.
⚖️ The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against xAI, claiming it violated the Clean Air Act and demanding accountability.