NAACP, SELC Appeal Shelby County Permit for xAI Turbines in Memphis

The NAACP, Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), and Young, Gifted & Green are appealing the Shelby County Health Department's approval of a permit allowing xAI to operate 15 natural gas turbines at its South Memphis data center. The groups argue that the health department violated federal Clean Air Act provisions and local regulations by exempting the turbines as "nonroad engines," which they say enables unchecked pollution and ignores community concerns. They also highlight that xAI had previously installed up to 35 unpermitted turbines and that public opposition was disregarded during the permit approval process. The appeal raises environmental justice issues, emphasizing the historical pollution burden on Black communities in South Memphis. xAI responded that the turbines would use state-of-the-art emissions controls and that new infrastructure would reduce reliance on gas power. Critics urge the health department to prioritize public health over corporate interests and prevent setting a precedent for lax oversight of polluting industrial activity in vulnerable neighborhoods.