Photo credit: www.cnbc.com
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, xAI, is under investigation in Memphis, Tennessee, due to reported environmental infractions linked to its data center operations.
In an April 9 letter addressed to the Shelby County Health Department, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) noted that satellite imagery and other sources indicated that xAI has installed 35 gas turbines at its site, often referred to as the Colossus. This figure significantly exceeds the 15 turbines for which the company had reportedly applied for temporary permits.
Founded by Musk in 2023, xAI has quickly emerged as a key component of his AI initiatives while he navigates a contentious business and legal rivalry with OpenAI, an organization he helped establish in 2015. One of xAI’s main products is the Grok chatbot, intended to compete directly with ChatGPT.
In a notable development in late March, Musk announced that xAI acquired the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, in a stock transaction that valued xAI at approximately $80 billion.
It is reported that xAI has been utilizing 100,000 Nvidia H100 processors to train its AI models at the Memphis facility. The company intends to source its long-term power needs from local suppliers, including Memphis Light, Gas, and Water, along with the Tennessee Valley Authority, as outlined in its permit applications.
However, the turbines reportedly hold the potential to generate 421 megawatts of power, a capacity comparable to that of an entire TVA power plant, according to SELC. As of now, the company has not outlined a timeline for deactivating the turbines and transitioning to alternative energy sources.
SELC has highlighted in its correspondence that xAI is unlawfully operating the greater number of turbines without the requisite air permits, exacerbating the already significant pollution burden faced by the local community.
“Moreover, the emissions data provided by the manufacturers indicates that xAI emits between 1,200 and 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) each year, positioning it as potentially the largest industrial NOx emitter in Memphis,” the letter stated.
Elevated levels of nitrogen oxides are linked to serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of respiratory disease-related fatalities.
While overseeing his extensive business portfolio, including Tesla and SpaceX, Musk is reportedly dedicating considerable time in Washington, D.C., where he plays a prominent role in discussions around government spending and regulatory reforms that may impact his ventures.
Historical precedents exist, as both SpaceX and Tesla have previously encountered challenges with compliance regarding federal and state environmental regulations.
SELC asserted that xAI may have contravened the Clean Air Act along with Shelby County’s stringent preconstruction permitting standards for significant air pollution sources.
Amanda Garcia, an attorney from SELC, communicated to CNBC that the Shelby County Health Department is responsible for enforcing the relevant air permitting laws and can hold xAI accountable if necessary.
During a public hearing held by Shelby County commissioners, community members voiced their concerns about the environmental implications of xAI’s gas turbans and the associated health risks. Residents are calling for stronger regulatory oversight to mitigate potential negative outcomes.
Easter May Knox, a nearby resident, expressed her family’s ongoing struggles with chronic respiratory issues. She voiced a desire for cleaner air in her home, lamenting that opening windows often results in unpleasant odors rather than fresh air.
“Elon Musk might have substantial wealth, but what we truly need is clean air!” she stated, emphasizing the community’s health needs.
Attendees at the hearing also expressed frustration that Brent Mayo, a senior manager at xAI responsible for the company’s infrastructure developments, did not attend to address their worries directly, despite previous outreach attempts from residents.
Requests for comments from both the Shelby County Health Department and xAI have gone unanswered.
WATCH: Watch as the connections between xAI and X unfold with ongoing developments.
Source
www.cnbc.com