NAACP Urges Memphis Leaders to Shut Down xAI’s Controversial ‘Dirty Data Center’

The NAACP is urging local leaders to pause operations at Colossus, a supercomputer facility run by Elon Musk’s xAI in South Memphis. They sent a letter to officials, criticizing what they see as a careless attitude toward the operation of the facility, which they call a “dirty data center.” The NAACP wants the Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Light Gas and Water to either issue an emergency order to stop the facility’s operations or at least enforce clean air laws.

Concerns stem from gas turbines used to power Colossus. xAI has applied for permission to operate 15 of these turbines. However, the NAACP claims the company has run at least 35 of them without permits over the past year. Officials stated that xAI did not need permits during its first year of use.

These turbines reportedly release harmful air pollutants, including formaldehyde, exceeding limits set by the EPA. The NAACP’s letter also highlighted dangerous nitrogen-oxide emissions.

The facility is located near Boxtown, a historically Black community. The NAACP argues that this perpetuates the trend of placing polluting industries in vulnerable neighborhoods. They noted that cancer risks in the area are already four times higher than the national average. They criticized the Shelby County Health Department for allowing this situation to persist rather than working to protect public health.

The letter was directed at Michelle Taylor, the director of the Shelby County Health Department, who is set to leave her position to become the commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department.

The issue of environmental justice is gaining attention nationwide. According to a recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency, communities like Boxtown often bear the brunt of pollution, leading to health disparities. Experts emphasize that better regulations and stricter enforcement can help address these inequalities. As more organizations spotlight these issues, the push for cleaner air and equitable treatment of communities continues to grow.

Memphis Light Gas and Water has not yet responded to the NAACP’s letter.

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