Pearson leads protest against xAI turbines in Memphis

Political courage or corporate convenience? Rethinking xAI in Memphis’ Blackest communities

Environmental advocates are raising questions about Elon Musk's fast track plans to locate a supercomputer in Memphis. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)In recent weeks, billionaire Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has found itself at the center of a mounting storm in Memphis. With plans to build and expand a massive data center in the heart of South Memphis — powered by methane gas turbines — this project has become a flashpoint…

Pearson leads protest against xAI turbines in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As Elon Musk's xAI is looking for permits to run gas turbines at their Memphis supercomputer, many are upset about the pollution those turbines might bring. Wednesday, state Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis) held a rally outside the health department. Right now the Shelby County Health Department is deciding on granting Elon Musk and xAI permits to use their gas turbines in the Boxtown neighborhood of southwest Memphis, somethi…