Elon Musk’s AI Company Utilizing Unauthorized Generators at Memphis Facility | Memphis

KeShaun Pearson addressed the Shelby County Board of Commissioners in Memphis, Tennessee, on Wednesday morning, where a group of supporters held signs advocating for cleaner air and water. Pearson, director of Memphis Community Against Pollution, informed the commissioners about xAI’s use of 35 methane gas-burning turbines without the necessary permits.

The xAI company, owned by Elon Musk, has been using roughly 15 portable generators to power its supercomputer in Memphis without securing the proper permits. New aerial images obtained by the Southern Environmental Law Center show that the number of turbines has increased significantly, with the ability to generate enough electricity to supply a whole city.

Amanda Garcia of the Southern Environmental Law Center accused xAI of operating these turbines without oversight or regard for nearby communities, claiming they cause significant air pollution.

The generators in use by xAI are deemed “illegal” and a major source of air pollution, violating the Clean Air Act by exceeding limits on toxic and carcinogenic emissions.

Musk’s xAI facility was activated in Memphis last summer to support its chatbot, Grok. The energy required for AI computations is substantial, and most US electricity is generated from fossil fuels, contributing to climate change.

Despite xAI’s contracts to draw 150 megawatts of electricity from Memphis’ local utility, Musk’s company has indicated a need for more energy to address power fluctuation issues. The facility’s preference for gas generators, which are subject to a 364-day location limit, has raised concerns about unregulated pollution.

The impact of this pollution is particularly significant in the historically Black neighborhoods near xAI, which already suffer from higher rates of cancer, asthma, and lower life expectancy. The Southern Environmental Law Center recommends issuing an emergency order to halt the use of these generators and imposing penalties if xAI fails to comply.

xAI’s representative, Brent Mayo, was scheduled to speak to the commissioners but did not attend. Community members expressed their concerns about xAI’s pollution and its impact on their health.

Pearson, who is from a neighborhood affected by xAI’s operations, advocated for action against what he describes as the “suffocating” effects of pollution caused by affluent, white entities.