Elon Musk brought 'the world's biggest supercomputer' to Memphis. Residents say they're choking on its pollution

[Uncle Joe]

An aerial image of xAI's data center in southwest Memphis. Local residents are protesting against the facility's use of gas-powered turbines. Courtesy Steve Jones Flight by Southwings for the Southern Environmental Law Center

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AI is immensely power-hungry, and Musk’s company installed dozens of gas-powered turbines, known to produce a cocktail of toxic pollutants. The company currently has no air permits, appearing to rely on a loophole for temporary turbines — but environmental groups say the exemption does not apply, and residents are angry.

“Our health was never considered, the safety of our communities was never, ever considered,” said Sarah Gladney, who lives 3 miles from the facility and suffers from a lung condition.

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This time, however, not only are they up against the world’s richest man, who happens to be one of President Donald Trump’s closest advisors, but it’s happening as the Trump administration takes an ax to pollution legislation, slashes environmental justice programs and throws its full-throated support behind AI.

What’s unfolding in Memphis should be a warning to other communities, said Erika Sugarmon, a commissioner of Shelby County, which encompasses Memphis and the surrounding area. “All these different safeguards are being taken away,” she told CNN. “So where do you go?”

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https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/climate/xai-musk-memphis-turbines-pollution