Elon Musk’s AI company xAI is under legal scrutiny over air pollution from gas-fired turbines used at its Memphis data center, Colossus. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) issued a 60-day notice of intent to sue, representing the NAACP, alleging violations of the Clean Air Act due to the operation of 35 combustion turbines without necessary air quality permits. These turbines are reportedly emitting harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde. The SELC has attempted to alert local health authorities multiple times regarding these issues with no response. The Colossus site is situated near a predominantly Black community facing existing air quality challenges. The NAACP is seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief. The demand for data centers is rapidly escalating, anticipated to double by 2028, with projections indicating investments of $6.7 trillion needed by 2030 to meet rising needs. The article highlights the tension between growing AI infrastructure and environmental regulations.

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