Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI, has secured a controversial air permit from health officials in Memphis, Tennessee, to operate natural gas-powered turbines for its massive “Colossus” supercomputer. The decision, issued Wednesday, greenlights the facility despite fierce opposition from residents.
The move escalates a conflict with the NAACP and the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), which filed a notice of intent to sue xAI on June 17. The groups allege xAI is illegally polluting a vulnerable community, setting the stage for a major legal and ethical battle.
This clash underscores a fundamental tension in the tech world. It pits the frantic, capital-intensive race for AI dominance against bedrock environmental laws designed to protect public health. The outcome in Memphis could set a critical precedent for the entire industry.
A Permit Ignites a Firestorm
The Shelby County Health Department’s decision was immediately condemned by activists. In a press release, SELC senior attorney Amanda Garcia said, “The decision to give xAI an air permit for its polluting gas turbines flies in the face of the hundreds of Memphians who spoke out against the company’s permit request.” The groups argue the permit was granted in defiance of community feedback and clear legal requirements…