Elon Musk’s xAI Faces Lawsuit Over Air Pollution in South Memphis

A coalition including the NAACP and Southern Environmental Law Center plans to sue Elon Musk’s xAI for allegedly operating 26 gas turbines at a Memphis data center without the required air permits.

The turbines have reportedly released over 1,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx), making xAI one of Shelby County’s top industrial polluters. Local activists accuse the company of environmental racism, citing its location in a predominantly Black neighborhood.

NOx emissions can worsen asthma, cause respiratory issues, and contribute to smog. Protesters are demanding the facility’s shutdown, raising concerns over health impacts and environmental justice.

While xAI claims legal compliance under a temporary exemption, advocates argue the operations exceed those limits and violate the Clean Air Act. The case highlights broader issues around unchecked pollution from data centers in vulnerable communities.

25-06-2025