NAACP Challenges xAI Over Pollution From Memphis Data Center
The NAACP is challenging xAI’s Memphis data center over its use of methane gas turbines, alleging that the company operated without a required Clean Air Act permit. The organization says communities already burdened by industrial pollution need greater transparency and enforceable environmental protections as AI data centers expand.
Abre’ Conner, director of the NAACP’s Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, said Black communities face disproportionate environmental risks from the power plants, gas turbines and other infrastructure supporting the artificial intelligence boom. The NAACP is seeking community-centered development, corporate transparency and safeguards through its Stop Dirty Data Centers campaign and Frontline Framework.
The organization has sued Elon Musk’s xAI over methane gas turbines serving its Memphis data center, alleging violations of federal clean-air requirements and criticizing the company for operating without a Clean Air Act permit. Conner also accused the federal government of attempting to intervene in the case, while Corbin Trent of A Fight Worth Having argued that voters should hold technology companies and elected officials accountable for data center impacts on pollution, energy infrastructure and local communities.