HomeNAACP Demands Memphis Shut Down xAI's 'Dirty' Data Center Facility
The NAACP is urging local officials to suspend operations at Colossus, the "supercomputer" facility which Elon Musk's xAI operates in South Memphis.
According to NBC News, leaders from the civil rights organization sent a letter to the Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Light Gas and Water on Thursday, criticizing their "lax oversight of this polluting data center" and demanding they "issue an emergency order for xAI to cease all operations immediately" — or, at minimum, penalize the company for reportedly violating clean air regulations if no formal order is issued.
The letter highlighted specific concerns about the gas turbines powering Colossus. xAI has applied for a permit to run 15 turbines at the facility, yet the NAACP alleges authorities have "allowed xAI to operate at least 35 gas turbines without any permits" over the past year. City officials previously stated that xAI did not require permits for the turbines during their initial year of use.
These turbines are reported to release hazardous air pollutants like formaldehyde at levels exceeding EPA standards. The NAACP's letter also cited nitrogen oxide emissions from the turbines.
Observing that the Colossus site is adjacent to South Memphis' Boxtown neighborhood, described in the letter as a "historically Black community," the NAACP stated the location continues "the pattern of industries increasing pollution in communities that bear no responsibility for the problem."
"Rather than working to alleviate known health issues in the area—where cancer risks are already four times the national average—the Shelby County Health Department has permitted xAI to operate above the law," the NAACP further remarked.
The NAACP's letter is directed to Shelby County Health Department Director Michelle Taylor, as well as the commissioners of Memphis Light Gas and Water; Taylor is departing her position in Shelby County to become the commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department.
Register now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—plus get 50% off a second pass. Join leaders from OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more for a full day of expert talks, practical workshops, and valuable networking. These discounted rates end when the event begins on June 5.
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Reserve your exhibit space at TC Sessions: AI and present your innovations to 1,200+ decision-makers—without a major investment. Offer valid through May 9 or while tables remain available.
Berkeley, CA|June 5REGISTER NOWTechCrunch has contacted the NAACP and xAI for comment. A Memphis Light Gas and Water spokesperson told NBC News that the organization had not yet received the NAACP's letter.
Related article
Frontier AI Labs Refuse to Disclose Containment Strategies for Rogue Models
Recent research indicates that very few leading AI laboratories have published or demonstrated containment response plans. A containment plan defines the procedures for when an AI system attempts to subvert human control, specifying which access righ
Lawsuit Alleges xAI Terminated Engineer Who Warned of Grok Safety Risks
A former xAI engineer has sued Elon Musk’s company and its parent, SpaceX, alleging termination for raising AI safety concerns.Devin Kim, who departed xAI in September 2025, filed the lawsuit in California state court on Tuesday. The legal action arr
Elon Musk praises Mythos/Fable, vows not to cut off Anthropic
Can Anthropic rely on Elon Musk to host its models? After users on X suggested that Musk might arbitrarily remove the AI lab from SpaceX’s servers to cripple a competitor, Musk responded with effusive praise, stating that such a move is “not my style
Related Special Topic Recommendations
Design & Art
Top AI Illustration Tools: Create Editorial Scenes and Cover Art Faster
2026 Latest Top-rated AI Illustration Tools: Our curated list features the best powerfully designed tools for creating stunning editorial scenes and eye-catching cover art quickly. Each option has gone through rigorous real-world tests, offering a free vs paid comparison to help you find the perfect match for your workflow. Try these must-try solutions today to unlock your AI edge and boost your creative productivity. Explore now at XIX.AI.
10 tools
xix.ai
Education and Learning
Top AI Tutors for Exam Prep: Practice Math, Science, and English
2026 Latest Top-Rated Best AI Tutors for Exam Prep are here on XIX.AI! Our curated list features powerful game-changing tools that offer free vs paid comparison, real-world tests, and weekly updated rankings. They help boost your writing efficiency, simplify complex topic learning, and unlock your academic potential. Explore now to Discover your perfect exam prep tool and Start creating today to Unlock your AI edge!
10 tools
xix.ai
Finance
AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management are here on XIX.AI! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing solutions that help you conduct real-world tests, understand spending habits, and create personalized plans to boost productivity. Enjoy a free vs paid comparison along with detailed rankings. Must-try tools designed to simplify money management and unlock your AI edge. Explore now!
11 tools
xix.ai
Health & Wellness
AI Sleep Tracking Assistants: Improve Recovery with Better Bedtime Habits
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Sleep Tracking Assistants curated for ultimate recovery. This fully updated weekly guide features powerful tools that deliver real-world tests, free vs paid comparison, and detailed rankings to help you find the must-try solution that boosts sleep quality and supports better bedtime habits. Explore now at XIX.AI to Unlock your AI edge.
10 tools
xix.ai
Data Analysis
AI SQL Copilots for Product and Revenue Analytics
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI SQL Copilots for Product and Revenue Analytics! XIX.AI has curated a powerful, game-changing collection of must-try tools that undergo real-world tests through weekly updated rankings. These tools help users boost productivity significantly by accelerating data analysis, streamlining complex queries, and generating accurate insights to drive smarter business decisions. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for unlocking your AI edge!
14 tools
xix.ai
Education and Learning
Best AI Homework Helpers That Teach: Learn Concepts, Not Just Answers
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Homework Helpers That Teach Core Concepts Not Just Answers Powerful Tools for Students Must-Try Curated List Weekly Updated Free vs Paid Comparison Real-World Tests Accurate Rankings to Help You Unlock Your Full Learning Potential Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for smarter studying.
10 tools
xix.ai
Comments (1)
0/500
![HarryLewis]()
この記事を読んで、AI開発の裏側にある環境問題や地域社会への影響について考えさせられました。技術の進歩は素晴らしいけど、データセンターのエネルギー消費や地域住民への配慮も忘れないでほしいですね。特に低所得者層が多く住む地域に施設を建設する場合、企業はもっと透明性を持ってコミュニティと対話すべきだと思います。🤔
The NAACP is urging local officials to suspend operations at Colossus, the "supercomputer" facility which Elon Musk's xAI operates in South Memphis.
According to NBC News, leaders from the civil rights organization sent a letter to the Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Light Gas and Water on Thursday, criticizing their "lax oversight of this polluting data center" and demanding they "issue an emergency order for xAI to cease all operations immediately" — or, at minimum, penalize the company for reportedly violating clean air regulations if no formal order is issued.
The letter highlighted specific concerns about the gas turbines powering Colossus. xAI has applied for a permit to run 15 turbines at the facility, yet the NAACP alleges authorities have "allowed xAI to operate at least 35 gas turbines without any permits" over the past year. City officials previously stated that xAI did not require permits for the turbines during their initial year of use.
These turbines are reported to release hazardous air pollutants like formaldehyde at levels exceeding EPA standards. The NAACP's letter also cited nitrogen oxide emissions from the turbines.
Observing that the Colossus site is adjacent to South Memphis' Boxtown neighborhood, described in the letter as a "historically Black community," the NAACP stated the location continues "the pattern of industries increasing pollution in communities that bear no responsibility for the problem."
"Rather than working to alleviate known health issues in the area—where cancer risks are already four times the national average—the Shelby County Health Department has permitted xAI to operate above the law," the NAACP further remarked.
The NAACP's letter is directed to Shelby County Health Department Director Michelle Taylor, as well as the commissioners of Memphis Light Gas and Water; Taylor is departing her position in Shelby County to become the commissioner of the Baltimore City Health Department.
Register now through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—plus get 50% off a second pass. Join leaders from OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and more for a full day of expert talks, practical workshops, and valuable networking. These discounted rates end when the event begins on June 5.
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Reserve your exhibit space at TC Sessions: AI and present your innovations to 1,200+ decision-makers—without a major investment. Offer valid through May 9 or while tables remain available.
Berkeley, CA|June 5REGISTER NOWTechCrunch has contacted the NAACP and xAI for comment. A Memphis Light Gas and Water spokesperson told NBC News that the organization had not yet received the NAACP's letter.
Frontier AI Labs Refuse to Disclose Containment Strategies for Rogue Models
Recent research indicates that very few leading AI laboratories have published or demonstrated containment response plans. A containment plan defines the procedures for when an AI system attempts to subvert human control, specifying which access righ
Lawsuit Alleges xAI Terminated Engineer Who Warned of Grok Safety Risks
A former xAI engineer has sued Elon Musk’s company and its parent, SpaceX, alleging termination for raising AI safety concerns.Devin Kim, who departed xAI in September 2025, filed the lawsuit in California state court on Tuesday. The legal action arr
Elon Musk praises Mythos/Fable, vows not to cut off Anthropic
Can Anthropic rely on Elon Musk to host its models? After users on X suggested that Musk might arbitrarily remove the AI lab from SpaceX’s servers to cripple a competitor, Musk responded with effusive praise, stating that such a move is “not my style
2026 Latest Top-rated AI Illustration Tools: Our curated list features the best powerfully designed tools for creating stunning editorial scenes and eye-catching cover art quickly. Each option has gone through rigorous real-world tests, offering a free vs paid comparison to help you find the perfect match for your workflow. Try these must-try solutions today to unlock your AI edge and boost your creative productivity. Explore now at XIX.AI.
10 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Top-Rated Best AI Tutors for Exam Prep are here on XIX.AI! Our curated list features powerful game-changing tools that offer free vs paid comparison, real-world tests, and weekly updated rankings. They help boost your writing efficiency, simplify complex topic learning, and unlock your academic potential. Explore now to Discover your perfect exam prep tool and Start creating today to Unlock your AI edge!
10 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management are here on XIX.AI! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing solutions that help you conduct real-world tests, understand spending habits, and create personalized plans to boost productivity. Enjoy a free vs paid comparison along with detailed rankings. Must-try tools designed to simplify money management and unlock your AI edge. Explore now!
11 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Sleep Tracking Assistants curated for ultimate recovery. This fully updated weekly guide features powerful tools that deliver real-world tests, free vs paid comparison, and detailed rankings to help you find the must-try solution that boosts sleep quality and supports better bedtime habits. Explore now at XIX.AI to Unlock your AI edge.
10 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI SQL Copilots for Product and Revenue Analytics! XIX.AI has curated a powerful, game-changing collection of must-try tools that undergo real-world tests through weekly updated rankings. These tools help users boost productivity significantly by accelerating data analysis, streamlining complex queries, and generating accurate insights to drive smarter business decisions. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for unlocking your AI edge!
14 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Homework Helpers That Teach Core Concepts Not Just Answers Powerful Tools for Students Must-Try Curated List Weekly Updated Free vs Paid Comparison Real-World Tests Accurate Rankings to Help You Unlock Your Full Learning Potential Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for smarter studying.
10 tools
xix.ai
この記事を読んで、AI開発の裏側にある環境問題や地域社会への影響について考えさせられました。技術の進歩は素晴らしいけど、データセンターのエネルギー消費や地域住民への配慮も忘れないでほしいですね。特に低所得者層が多く住む地域に施設を建設する場合、企業はもっと透明性を持ってコミュニティと対話すべきだと思います。🤔
