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

The NAACP is urging local authorities to cease operations at Colossus, a “supercomputer” facility managed by Elon Musk’s xAI in South Memphis.

According to a report by NBC News, the civil rights organization’s leaders sent a letter on Thursday to the Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Light Gas and Water, expressing discontent with their “lackadaisical approach” towards what they termed a “dirty data center.” They have called for an emergency order to completely halt xAI’s operations or, at the very least, to cite the company for alleged violations of clean air regulations.

“AI is evolving quickly, and it has the potential to offer benefits to society—if implemented responsibly,” stated NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “However, compromising the health of Black communities for the sake of innovation—believing you can evade accountability simply because you’re Elon Musk—will not be tolerated.”

The letter raised specific concerns regarding the gas turbines utilized to power Colossus. xAI has applied for a permit to operate 15 gas turbines, yet the NAACP claims that officials have allowed the company to run at least 35 turbines without appropriate permits over the last year. City representatives previously indicated that xAI was not required to secure permits for the turbines’ inaugural year of operation.

These turbines are reportedly releasing hazardous air pollutants, including formaldehyde, at levels that surpass EPA regulations. The NAACP’s correspondence also highlighted the nitrogen oxide emissions from these turbines.

Pointing out that the Colossus facility is situated near the Boxtown neighborhood in South Memphis, which is described as a “historically Black community” in the letter, the NAACP expressed concern over the ongoing pattern of industries contributing pollution to communities that are not responsible for the pollution issues.

“Instead of the [Shelby County Health Department] working to mitigate known health risks in the area, where cancer risks already quadruple the national average, it has permitted xAI to operate beyond the law,” the NAACP stated.

The NAACP’s letter was directed to Shelby County Health Department Director Michelle Taylor and commissioners from Memphis Light Gas and Water; Taylor is transitioning from her role in Shelby County to take the position of commissioner for the Baltimore City Health Department.

TechCrunch has reached out to xAI for a response. A representative from Memphis Light Gas and Water informed NBC News that they have not yet received the NAACP’s correspondence.