xAI Faces Backlash Over Unpermitted Gas Turbines at Memphis Supercomputing Facility

Elon Musk's AI company is operating 35 gas turbines without permits, raising environmental and public health concerns as it expands its facility to power one million GPUs.

• xAI is using 35 gas turbines at its Memphis data center without the required permits, exceeding the 15 turbines disclosed in its application.
• The unpermitted turbines are generating significant nitrogen oxide emissions, raising health risks for nearby residential areas with existing pollution challenges.
• Local advocacy groups and the Southern Environmental Law Center are demanding immediate regulatory action and penalties for Clean Air Act violations.
• xAI’s expansion plans include powering one million GPUs, but the company’s energy demands exceed the capacity of Memphis's local grid, which has only approved half of its 300 MW request.
• Community members and environmental advocates are calling for stricter oversight, citing the disproportionate impact on historically underserved neighborhoods near the facility.

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