Lawsuits

NAACP Threatens Lawsuit Against Musk's xAI Over Memphis Pollution

Published JUN 18 2025

Story

Above: Gas turbines are visible at an xAI data center on Riverport Rd in Memphis, Tenn., on April 25, 2025. Image credit: Brandon Dill/The Washington Post/Getty Images

The Facts

The Southern Environmental Law Center filed a 60-day notice on behalf of the U.S. racial rights group NAACP on Tuesday to sue Elon Musk's xAI over air pollution from its Memphis supercomputer site, alleging it ran gas turbines without permits near mostly Black communities since starting in 2024.
NBC
Newsmax
The data center runs up to 35 gas turbines — despite only requesting permits for 15 — per aerial scans cited by the Southern Environmental Law Center. Officials cited a 364-day permit-free exemption, but lawyers argued it doesn't apply, and the limit has already passed
The New York Times
Breitbart
The turbines, which emit smog-forming toxins like nitrogen oxides, benzene, and formaldehyde — linked to asthma and cancer — are located near Boxtown, a historic Black neighborhood with cancer risks four times the national average from existing industrial pollution.
NBC
NAACP
Newsmax
Memphis Mayor Paul Young defended xAI’s project, citing $100 million or more in expected tax revenue and hundreds of jobs. He noted 25% of city tax gains will go to nearby areas, with xAI investing $35M in a substation and $80M in a water recycling plant.
Breitbart
ap
xAI said its temporary power units comply with all laws and that it takes environmental and community duties seriously. The company also plans to add emission controls and has highlighted its tax, job, and infrastructure contributions to Memphis.
NBC
ap
Breitbart
The Shelby County Health Department is reviewing xAI’s permit after 1,700 public comments. This comes after the American Lung Association gave Memphis an "F" grade for ozone pollution.
The New York Times
ap

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

xAI isn't just building a data center — it's poisoning a community of vulnerable Tennesseans. With 35 unpermitted methane turbines next to historic Black neighborhoods, xAI is flooding the air with toxins in an area already burdened by pollution and cancer risk. This project must be halted until environmentally friendly alternatives are proposed.

Democracy Now

Narrative B

While critics paint xAI's Memphis project as harmful, they ignore a deeper truth: this is a rare chance at economic rebirth. A shuttered factory is becoming the world’s largest AI hub — bringing high-tech jobs, infrastructure, and hope to a region that, as critics would agree, has too often been left behind.

Inwardinvestment

Metaculus Prediction

Limited Coverage

This story currently has limited reporting from right-wing sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.