The NAACP Calls for Halt to Operations at xAI’s Colossus Facility in South Memphis
The NAACP is urging local officials to put a stop to operations at Colossus, the “supercomputer” facility operated by Elon Musk’s xAI in South Memphis. According to a report by NBC News, leaders from the civil rights group have sent a letter to the Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Light Gas and Water criticizing the organizations’ handling of the facility.
In the letter, the NAACP expressed concerns about xAI’s “lackadaisical approach to the operation of this dirty data center” and called on authorities to either issue an emergency order for xAI to cease operations entirely or, at the very least, to cite and stop the company from allegedly violating clean air laws.
One of the main issues highlighted in the letter is the use of gas turbines by xAI to power Colossus. While the company has applied for a permit to operate 15 gas turbines, the NAACP alleges that xAI has been running at least 35 gas turbines without proper permitting over the past year. Concerns were raised about the emission of hazardous air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, from these turbines, which reportedly exceed EPA limits. Additionally, nitrogen-oxide emissions from the turbines were also cited as a cause for alarm.
The Colossus facility is situated near the Boxtown neighborhood in South Memphis, a historically Black community. The NAACP pointed out that locating the facility in this area contributes to the trend of industries adding pollution to communities that are already burdened with environmental issues. The letter emphasized that cancer risks in the area are four times higher than the national average.
The NAACP criticized the Shelby County Health Department for allowing xAI to operate above the law instead of working to address existing health concerns in the community. The letter is addressed to Shelby County Health Department Director Michelle Taylor, who is set to leave her role to become the commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department.
JS has reached out to the NAACP and xAI for comment on the matter. Memphis Light Gas and Water stated to NBC News that they had not yet received the NAACP’s letter.
