Memphis AI data center fuels pollution fight in Black neighborhood
Residents in Memphis, Tennessee, and Southaven, Mississippi, are fighting against xAI's data centers, citing environmental pollution, excessive water usage, and noise. Advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit alleging the facilities were built without proper permits, despite xAI's claims of meeting environmental standards. An agreement has been reached to dismantle temporary turbines, but opponents criticize the lack of public consultation.
Residents in Boxtown, a predominantly Black neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee, and Southaven, Mississippi, are embroiled in a pollution dispute with xAI over its Colossus I and Colossus II data centers. Local activists, including KeShaun Pearson of Memphis Community Against Pollution and teenager Jasmine Bernard, report odors of rotten eggs, burning debris, and deafening noise from gas turbines powering the facilities, which they allege were built hastily without proper permits.
The communities face health concerns, with cancer risks four times the national average in Boxtown, which has a history of environmental neglect. The NAACP, represented by the nonprofit Earthjustice, has filed a lawsuit against xAI, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act. The Justice Department has since asked for the NAACP's complaint to be dismissed, citing national security matters.
xAI claims its mobile turbines are equipped with advanced emission control technologies and that local air quality meets EPA standards. The company also confirmed it extracts 1.2 million gallons of groundwater daily in Memphis for cooling, despite a suspended water reuse facility project. Although xAI has agreed to dismantle the temporary turbines by July 2027 and replace them with a compliant power plant, opponents criticize the deal as being negotiated behind closed doors.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young has announced a project to redirect $3.35 million in tax revenue from Colossus I to affected communities. Residents in both states continue their fight against the environmental and social impacts of the data centers, citing a precedent where Boxtown residents successfully lobbied against a pipeline project in 2021.