Colossus, a new data center launched by xAI in September 2024, is designed for training the company’s Grok chatbot and located in a former home appliance factory in Memphis. Despite local officials praising xAI’s presence for its potential revenue boost, residents of the historically underserved Boxtown neighborhood express skepticism towards the project. Activists have initiated opposition against xAI, particularly as the company seeks a permanent permit for 15 turbines associated with the facility. The Shelby County Health Department has indicated that the permit review process, expected to take 60 days, will not be commented on amid potential litigation.
State Representative Justin J. Pearson, whose district includes Boxtown, likened the community’s situation to the biblical story of David and Goliath, expressing hope in their cause. Meanwhile, Memphis Mayor Paul Young has defended the project, projecting a $12 million tax revenue in its first year, with plans to allocate a portion to nearby communities. xAI’s permit application has raised concerns regarding emissions from the turbines, with the company claiming it would potentially remove some turbines and retrofit others to minimize pollution.
Advocates have pointed out that South Memphis already struggles with industrial pollution, heightened ozone levels, and significant asthma issues. As part of the legal process to file a federal lawsuit under the Clean Air Act, the NAACP has issued a 60-day notice, emphasizing the necessity for clean air and transparency for Memphis residents. Patrick Anderson of the Southern Environmental Law Center stressed that the community deserves honesty regarding environmental impacts associated with the new facility.
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