NAACP Urges Halt to xAI’s Memphis Data Center Ops
The civil rights organization demands immediate action against Elon Musk’s AI supercomputer facility over environmental concerns in a predominantly Black neighborhood
Calls for Emergency Shutdown of Colossus Facility
The NAACP has formally requested Memphis authorities to stop operations at xAI’s Colossus data center, Elon Musk’s AI supercomputing facility in South Memphis. The civil rights group sent urgent letters to both the Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Light Gas and Water, accusing them of inadequate oversight of the facility’s environmental impact.
Environmental Concerns Over Gas Turbines
At the heart of the controversy are the facility’s gas turbines, which power the AI supercomputer. While xAI recently applied for permits to operate 15 turbines, the NAACP claims the company has been running 35 turbines without proper authorization for over a year.
Community advocates highlight that these turbines emit:
- Formaldehyde at levels exceeding EPA standards
- Dangerous nitrogen-oxide emissions
- Other hazardous air pollutants
Disproportionate Impact on Black Community
The Colossus facility neighbors Boxtown, a historically Black neighborhood where cancer risks are reportedly four times the national average. The NAACP argues the situation exemplifies environmental racism, with industrial pollution disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
Regulatory Response and Next Steps
The letters demand either:
- An emergency shutdown order for the facility
- Immediate enforcement of clean air violations if operations continue
Memphis Light Gas and Water stated they haven’t yet received the complaint, while the Shelby County Health Department faces leadership changes with its director transitioning to Baltimore.
As AI infrastructure expands nationwide, this conflict highlights growing tensions between tech industry expansion and environmental justice in vulnerable communities.