City's Authorization for Elon Musk's Supercomputer Use in Memphis Questioned by NAACP
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) have joined forces to appeal a permit granted to Elon Musk's xAI for the operation of gas-burning turbines at its data center in Memphis, Tennessee.
The permit, issued by the Shelby County Health Department on July 2, 2025, allows xAI to operate up to 15 turbines at its facility. However, the SELC claims that this constitutes a violation of the Clean Air Act and specific local environmental regulations.
The primary concerns raised by the SELC and the NAACP are related to air pollution and the potential health risks associated with the operation of these turbines. Residents living near the facility have expressed concerns about the emissions from the turbines increasing air pollution in Memphis, a majority-Black community.
The turbines emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde, substances linked to respiratory illnesses and increased mortality risks. The SELC and the NAACP argue that the turbines were misclassified as "nonroad engines," which they claim violates the Clean Air Act. This classification reduces the regulatory restrictions on emissions, potentially leading to higher pollution levels.
Despite these concerns, the Shelby County Health Department issued the permit. The SELC's appeal argues that the health department ignored the concerns of residents and misclassified the turbines used by xAI, leading to inaccurate permits.
xAI has characterized the appeal as "baseless and politically driven," stating that the facility will be the lowest emitting of its type in the U.S. They claim that all temporary turbines have been decommissioned and that they are complying with all relevant laws.
However, the NAACP has demanded an immediate shutdown of xAI's data center, citing violations of environmental regulations. In a letter addressed to Dr. Michelle Taylor, Director of the Shelby County Health Department, the NAACP stated, "Being the world's richest man doesn't give you the right to pollute Black communities and jeopardize the health of its residents."
The SELC's appeal was reported by CNBC, and the NAACP's statement was reported by NBC News. The appeal was filed on behalf of the NAACP and the youth-led group Young, Gifted & Green.
[1] CNBC. (2025, July 5). NAACP, Southern Environmental Law Center challenge Elon Musk's xAI data center in Memphis. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/05/naacp-southern-environmental-law-center-challenge-elon-musks-xai-data-center-in-memphis.html
[2] NBC News. (2025, July 6). NAACP, Southern Environmental Law Center challenge Elon Musk's xAI data center in Memphis. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/naacp-southern-environmental-law-center-challenge-elon-musks-xai-data-center-n1269706
[3] Shelby County Health Department. (2025, July 2). Permit issued for xAI data center in Memphis. Retrieved from https://www.shelbycountyhealth.org/news/permit-issued-for-xai-data-center-in-memphis/
- The SELC and the NAACP have called for a shift from reliance on gas-burning turbines to renewable energy sources for xAI's data center, stating that this change would align with environmental science and combat climate-change.
- The appeal by the SELC and the NAACP has raised questions about the financial implications of prioritizing renewable energy, with a focus on the potential cost savings and job creation associated with clean energy investments in the industry.
- The NAACP and the SELC are also urging the industry to engage in a dialogue with the environmental-science community, experts in climate-change research, and local residents regarding the long-term sustainability of energy projects like xAI's data center.
