The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) joined Memphis officials in calling on federal authorities to move swiftly. They’re demanding swift action to stop xAI’s other supercomputer facility, Colossus, located in South Memphis. The organization had long been concerned about the facility’s environmental impact. They are most worried specifically about the large gas turbines that power its underwater operations.
Elon Musk’s supercomputer facility, Colossus, recently applied for a permit to operate alongside. This new permit will enable them to bring back up to 15 gas turbines into operation. According to the NAACP, local regulators have allowed xAI to run at least 35 gas turbines. They allege this has occurred without the required permitting for over a year. Wanting to confront this civil rights crisis, the NAACP filed suit. Now, they are calling on city officials to release an emergency order requiring xAI to cease all operations.
Jacqui Patterson voiced grave concern about the environmental impacts of these gas turbines. They criticized local leadership for what they described as a “lackadaisical approach to the operation of this dirty data center.” Yet the organization argued that the majority Black community continues to face toxic pollution from nearby industries. Consequently, these industries are not really benefiting the local economic development.
“The trend of industries adding pollution to communities who do not cause the problem must stop,” stated a spokesperson for the NAACP. The group focused attention on a troubling practice. Rather than face longstanding health crises in the community—including cancer rates that are four times higher than the national average—the Shelby County Health Department has allowed xAI to remain in operation unregulated.
City officials initially suggested that xAI would have needed special permits for the turbines after their first year in operation. Yet, with increasing pressure from community advocates including the NAACP, it’s uncertain how long this exemption will last.
The NAACP’s call for action comes at a critical time, as environmental and health-related issues have increasingly become a focal point in discussions about industrial operations in urban areas. The nonprofit is continuing to call on local leaders to reconsider. First, they must put the health and well-being of their community’s residents before the interests of an industry.
