NAACP Demands Shutdown Of Elon Musk’s “Dirty” Supercomputer In Black Neighborhood
The NAACP is demanding an immediate shutdown of Colossus, a Memphis-based supercomputer built by Elon Musk’s AI company xAI, citing violations of environmental regulations. NBC News reported that a letter was sent to the Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Light Gas and Water from the civil rights group on Thursday, May 29.
In a letter addressed to Dr. Michelle Taylor, director of the Shelby County Health Department, leaders from the NAACP criticized the organization’s “lackadaisical approach to the operation of this dirty data center.” They urged them to “issue an emergency order for xAI to stop operations completely” — or, if no order is issued, to at least stop the company from allegedly violating clean air laws.
Air pollution affecting Black residents
The letter addresses concerns related to the gas turbines that xAI runs to power Colossus. The company has applied for a permit to maintain its operation of 15 gas turbines at the facility despite the NAACP stating that authorities have “allowed xAI to operate at least 35 gas turbines without any permitting” over the past year. City officials previously said that xAI did not require permits for the turbines’ first year of operation.
These turbines allegedly release hazardous air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, at levels exceeding EPA limits. The Colossus facility is located near South Memphis’ Boxtown neighborhood, which the letter described as a “historically Black community.”
“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.
Environmental concerns about Colossus
Colossus came online in September 2024 to train Grok, its chatbot. However, critics believe that environmental concerns override the project’s potential economic benefits to the community.
“While we applaud research and innovation, there must be limits that ensure that communities are healthy and alive to enjoy the benefits of any potential innovation,” the NAACP letter said. Shelby County health officials are scheduled to decide on xAI’s application in the next few weeks.
Image: Eric Hilt/Southern Environmental Law Center
