Tennessee's Justin J. Pearson takes on data center pollution in congressional bid
Tennessee state Rep. Justin J. Pearson is campaigning against xAI's Colossus data centers in the Memphis area, citing pollution from more than 59 gas turbines. Environmental groups have sued xAI, alleging Clean Air Act violations, while the U.S. Department of Justice unsuccessfully sought to halt the lawsuit.
Democratic state Rep. Justin J. Pearson said opposition to xAI's Colossus data centers is central to his congressional campaign in Tennessee's 9th District. He said residents across the region, including Republicans, oppose the facilities because of concerns that the project exploits natural resources and harms nearby communities.
Pearson said the NAACP, Young Gifted and Green, and the Southern Environmental Law Center are suing xAI over its operation of more than 59 gas turbines. The groups allege the turbines violate the Clean Air Act and have made the facility a major regional source of nitrogen oxide pollution. Pearson also criticized the relationship between xAI, state officials and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. He said the U.S. Department of Justice sought to enjoin the lawsuit, but the request was denied.