NAACP Plans Lawsuit Against Elon Musk's xAI Over Memphis Pollution

The NAACP, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, has announced its intention to sue Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company xAI for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act at its Memphis facility. The lawsuit claims that xAI has been operating 35 gas turbines, more than the 15 accounted for in permit applications, without the necessary preconstruction and operating permits, and has failed to implement required safety protocols to reduce emissions. These turbines power xAI's supercomputer and data center at the 3231 Paul R. Lowry Road site, raising public health concerns for nearby Black and minority communities. Local advocacy groups such as Tigers Against Pollution organized protests from the National Civil Rights Museum to Memphis City Hall to highlight these environmental and health risks. NAACP President Derrick Johnson criticized xAI for treating communities as obstacles, emphasizing the broader social impact of the alleged pollution. xAI has stated it is committed to addressing the concerns, but the legal and community actions indicate growing scrutiny of the company's environmental practices in Memphis.