# NAACP Calls on Memphis Officials to Halt Operations at xAI’s ‘Dirty Data Center’

The NAACP is urging local officials to immediately suspend operations at Colossus, the xAI data center in South Memphis owned by Elon Musk’s AI company. The civil rights organization has raised serious concerns about the facility’s environmental impact and potential health risks to nearby communities.

## Environmental and Health Concerns

In a letter sent to Shelby County officials, the NAACP accused local agencies of a lax approach to regulating the xAI facility, which they describe as a “dirty data center.” The group is demanding an emergency shutdown of operations or, at minimum, enforcement of clean air regulations.

Key concerns include:

– Unpermitted gas turbine usage (35 reported vs. 15 permitted)
– Hazardous emissions exceeding EPA limits, including formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides
– Disproportionate impact on historically Black neighborhoods like Boxtown

## Community Impact and Regulatory Failures

The NAACP highlighted that the Colossus facility is located near low-income, predominantly Black communities already facing higher health risks. The letter states:

> “Instead of reducing health risks in an area where cancer rates are four times the national average, officials have allowed xAI to operate above the law.”

## Next Steps and Responses

The letter was addressed to:

– Michelle Taylor, outgoing Shelby County Health Director
– Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) leadership

As of now, MLGW claims it has not received the letter, while xAI has not publicly responded. The situation remains under scrutiny as environmental advocates and community leaders push for stronger oversight of AI infrastructure projects in vulnerable neighborhoods.