Elon Musk’s AI supercomputers in Memphis are causing air pollution, leaving many residents suffering from serious breathing problems.
Elon Musk’s AI venture in South Memphis is causing significant health concerns among local residents.
The installation of 35 methane gas turbines to power Musk’s xAI supercomputers has led to an increase in smog and a dramatic rise in medical visits for asthma.
Environmental groups and residents say the pollution is harming their health and worsening local air quality.
Elon Musk’s AI supercomputers cause air pollution crisis that has left residents struggling to breathe
In less than a year of operations, Musk’s AI company has become one of the largest emitters of nitrogen oxide in the region.
According to reports, the turbines, which do not have the required pollution controls mandated by federal law, emit between 1,200 and 2,000 tonnes of nitrogen oxides annually.
This is contributing to the worsening smog problem in the area, which already had poor air quality before the arrival of the supercomputers.
Memphis leads Tennessee in asthma-related ER visits, with the highest asthma rate in the state.
Residents of South Memphis and nearby areas such as Boxtown have reported difficulties breathing, with some claiming that the air smells strongly of gas.
“I can’t breathe at home, it smells like gas outside,” said Alexis Humphreys, a Boxtown resident, holding up her asthma inhaler at a public hearing about the turbines.
Community concerns grow as asthma and respiratory issues reportedly rise from emissions linked to Musk’s operations.
Environmental and social justice concerns are growing among residents.
The issue is not just about environmental damage; it’s also about the social and economic disparities faced by the residents of the area.
Boxtown, already burdened by pollution, now faces worsening conditions due to Musk’s AI facility and its emissions.
More than 90% of the population in Boxtown is Black, and the area’s median household income is just $36,000.
Many feel that their community has been neglected by both Musk’s company and local authorities, and they are demanding change.
At a protest last month, Rep. Justin Pearson voiced the frustrations of many residents, saying, “They put our lungs and our air on the auction block and sold us to the richest man in the world.”
While Musk praises Grok, Boxtown residents feel they bear the cost of its advancements.
They argue that their health is being sacrificed for the benefit of Musk’s business empire.
Legal and regulatory challenges surround Musk’s operations.
Sun Coast Resources claimed xAI’s turbines are temporary, exempt from federal regulations for permanent installations.
This doesn’t ease local residents’ concerns.
They demand pollution controls and turbine operation suspension until emissions are regulated.
In response to growing pressure from the community, xAI has applied for permits to make 15 of the turbines permanent.
However, the company stated that it will wait until the application process is completed before implementing the necessary pollution control measures.
Local residents argue that the health risks from current emissions require urgent action.