NAACP Demands Shutdown of Elon Musk’s xAI ‘Dirty Data Center’ in Memphis

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Citing violations of local environmental codes, the NAACP has called on authorities in South Memphis, Tennessee to halt operations at Elon Musk’s xAI data center, which operates the supercomputer Colossus.

In a letter to the Shelby County Health Department and Memphis Light Gas and Water (MLGW), the civil rights group expressed concern over xAI’s handling of the facility. The group criticized the company for its alleged lack of due diligence in operating the facility, describing it as a “dirty data center.” 

Emissions from gas turbines

Specifically, the letter highlighted not having the required permits to operate 35 gas turbines that power Colossus. The turbines are said to emit significant amounts of nitrogen oxide, with emissions estimated to range from 1,200 to 2,000 tons annually, according to the NAACP’s letter.  

Local officials, including the mayor of South Memphis and members of the Chamber of Commerce, have maintained that permits were not necessary during the turbines’ initial operational year. 

The letter also pointed out that residents have been largely uniformed about the facility’s operations, adding that those who reached out for help from various public agencies and officials have seen little action.

Penalties requested

The NAACP has urged authorities to halt the operation of unpermitted turbines, which they argue violate air quality and open meeting laws. Furthermore, the group has called for penalties to be imposed on xAI for failing to comply with these regulations.  

Neither the Shelby County Health Department nor xAI has responded to the letter’s allegations, according to NBC News. However, xAI has previously stated that it collaborates with local, state, and federal officials, as well as community leaders, to address issues impacting Memphis.  

The civil rights group has underscored that, despite Musk’s wealth, his facility should not be allowed to harm the health communities. “Being the world’s richest man doesn’t give you the right to pollute Black communities and jeopardize the health of its residents,” the letter emphasized.

Musk chose to build his first Southwest Memphis data center near Boxtown, a historically Black neighborhood located approximately two miles away, according to the NAACP’s letter. 

Colossus, which xAI claims is the largest supercomputer in the world, was launched in September 2024 with the goal of training the company’s Grok chatbot.