Elon Musk’s AI Plant in Memphis: The Fight For Clean Air

Edited with Referenced Sources

“We have to continue to fight. Fight because clean air is a human right.”

-Representative Pearson, President of Memphis Community Against Pollution

Introduction

Elon’s Enormous new AI plant: Musk’s AI startup, xAI, built a giant data center named “Colossus” inside a former Electrolux factory in south Memphis. Residents report that xAI is running dozens of methane-burning turbines on-site which are causing environmental harm to its district. xAI is operating at more capacity than allowed by its permits to power the facility and its Grok AI chatbot. Citizens of Memphis and environmental groups report this equipment is spewing smog-forming NO₂ and toxic chemicals into neighborhoods that already suffer poor air quality and health problems.

Historic Burden on Black neighborhoods: The plant is located next to predominantly Black neighborhoods like niche neighborhoods such as Boxtown and Mallory Heights. The roots of environmental injustice are intertwined with American history. These areas have long been dotted with polluting industries: a refinery, steel mill, power plants, EtO sterilization factories, Superfund sites, and plenty more. Emphasizing the severity of the issue…