Elon Musk's artificial intelligence venture, xAI, responsible for the Grok chatbot, is entangled in a lawsuit initiated by the NAACP over air quality concerns linked to its supercomputer facility in Memphis. The complaint alleges that the company has installed natural-gas-burning turbines in South Memphis without acquiring the necessary permits. These turbines are reportedly discharging pollutants into predominantly Black communities, as noted by NAACP President Derrick Johnson. He emphasized the urgency of addressing environmental injustice, criticizing corporations for establishing polluting operations in vulnerable neighborhoods.
In response to the allegations, xAI released a statement asserting its dedication to environmental integrity and community welfare. The company contended that its temporary power generation units adhere to all relevant laws. Situated in a repurposed manufacturing plant, the Memphis data center commenced operations last year and hosts what Musk claims is set to be the world's largest supercomputer, with energy demands comparable to those of 100,000 homes. A report from the Southern Environmental Law Center, which is representing the NAACP, highlighted aerial photographs indicating the presence of 35 gas turbines at the facility, with evidence of substantial thermal emissions.
In response to the allegations, xAI released a statement asserting its dedication to environmental integrity and community welfare. The company contended that its temporary power generation units adhere to all relevant laws. Situated in a repurposed manufacturing plant, the Memphis data center commenced operations last year and hosts what Musk claims is set to be the world's largest supercomputer, with energy demands comparable to those of 100,000 homes. A report from the Southern Environmental Law Center, which is representing the NAACP, highlighted aerial photographs indicating the presence of 35 gas turbines at the facility, with evidence of substantial thermal emissions.
