NAACP Challenges Permit Allowing Elon Musk’s Supercomputer To Operate In Memphis
The NAACP and other civil rights groups have filed an appeal against a permit that would allow Elon Musk’s xAI to use gas turbines to power its massive data center. The complaint was filed by The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) on behalf of the NAACP and the youth-led group Young, Gifted & Green.
The NAACP appealing a permit against xAI
After xAI began operating in Memphis in 2024, the startup stated that the turbines at the data center were temporary and small enough not to require permits.
But, residents living near the facility said the emissions from the turbines were increasing air pollution in Memphis, an area that is made up of majority-Black communities. But, these concerns did not stop the Shelby County Health Department from issuing a permit on July 2. The permit allows the AI startup to operate up to 15 turbines, as reported by CNBC.
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) appealed the permit stating that the county’s health department had ignored the concerns of residents. They also noted that the health department misclassified the turbines used by xAI, and the permits were issued inaccurately, which constitutes a violation of the Clean Air Act and specific local environmental regulations.
The NAACP and xAI
In June, the NAACP demanded an immediate shutdown of Colossus, citing violations of environmental regulations. In a letter addressed to Dr. Michelle Taylor, Director of the Shelby County Health Department, the NAACP raised concerns related to the gas turbines that xAI operates to power Colossus.
The turbines used by xAI allegedly release hazardous air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, at levels exceeding EPA limits.
“Being the world’s richest man doesn’t give you the right to pollute Black communities and jeopardize the health of its residents,” NAACP president and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement to NBC News.
Image: Brandon Dill
