NAACP and Southern Environmental Law Center Threaten Lawsuit Against xAI’s Colossus Supercomputer Over Pollution Concerns
The xAI supercomputer, Colossus, is facing potential legal action from the NAACP and the Southern Environmental Law Center due to pollution concerns related to its gas-powered turbines. This has ignited a heated debate surrounding the environmental impact of the facility versus its economic benefits.
Operational since last year, the xAI data center has been using pollution-emitting turbines without an air permit, claiming a 364-day exemption. However, Southern Environmental Law Center attorney Patrick Anderson has challenged this exemption, stating that there is no such provision for turbines and that the time limit has already expired.
In response, the groups have issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue under the Clean Air Act, contesting xAI’s permit application currently under review by the Shelby County Health Department.
Critics argue that the turbines at the xAI facility emit harmful pollutants such as smog, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and formaldehyde, exacerbating health risks in an area where cancer rates are four times the national average.
According to AP, the Southern Environmental Law Center has pointed out that the permit for the site indicates emissions of hazardous air pollutants, potentially violating the Clean Air Act.
It has been alleged that xAI installed more turbines than initially requested, exceeding the limit of 15, without community oversight, which has put a strain on Memphis’s power grid.
xAI has defended its actions, stating that the temporary power generation units are operating in compliance with all relevant laws. The company has also emphasized its economic contributions, including billions in investments, millions in taxes, and the creation of hundreds of jobs.
During a community meeting in April, xAI’s Brent Mayo highlighted the significant tax revenue generated by the company, which supports essential programs such as public safety, health, education, and more. He projected that xAI would contribute over $100 million in tax revenue by the following year.
Furthermore, xAI is actively transitioning to sustainable power sources, particularly Tesla Megapacks, and is in the process of demobilizing the gas turbines.
Despite the company’s efforts to mitigate environmental concerns, the threat of a lawsuit underscores the ongoing tensions between technological innovation and environmental justice.