Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence firm, xAI, is facing mounting criticism in Memphis over claims that its supercomputer facility is polluting the air at alarming levels.
The data centre, part of Musk’s high-profile push into AI, has drawn the ire of community residents and environmental groups. Critics allege the site has become one of the county’s largest air polluters since operations began last summer.
The first public hearing involving the county health department is set for Friday, where officials will listen to a range of viewpoints on the growing controversy.
In the lead-up to the session, anonymous leaflets asserting that xAI produces minimal emissions were distributed in predominantly Black neighbourhoods. Meanwhile, environmental organisations have been collecting evidence to assess the extent of pollution linked to the AI facility.
Tensions escalated earlier this month when the Southern Environmental Law Center disclosed that xAI had installed at least 35 portable methane gas turbines at the site without securing air quality permits.
The group, which analysed satellite imagery to confirm the equipment’s presence, warned that the generators — powerful enough to supply an entire city — emit significant levels of toxic and potentially carcinogenic pollutants.
Justin Pearson, a Tennessee state representative from Memphis, took to Instagram to accuse the anonymous leaflets of spreading false information about xAI’s methane emissions.
He pointed out that methane is linked to increased asthma attacks and respiratory illnesses.
Photo: Instagram
Pearson called for transparency regarding who distributed the fliers and urged local residents to attend the public hearing on Friday. "We must fight against the lies and misinformation," he stated. "Clean air is a fundamental right, and the Shelby County Health Department must protect it."
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