Tech Desk 
Apr 27, 2025
While it often remains in headlines for its exceptional accomplishments in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), Elon Musk's xAI has once again stepped in the spotlight for causing excessive pollution in historically Black neighbourhoods by building Colossus, the world’s largest supercomputer, in Memphis, Tennessee.
In line with his ambitions to lead the way in high-tech domains like AI, space tech and driverless electric vehicles (EVs), Musk's xAI developed Colossus in just 122 days.
The Southern Environmental Law Centre (SELC) and local residents alleged that xAI is using more than 30 methane gas turbines without proper permits.
Further aggravating backlash, thermal imaging showed 33 running turbines despite xAI’s application for only 15. “This is environmental racism,” said KeShaun Pearson, president of Memphis Community Against Pollution, rebuking the company for showing disregard for community health.
SELC Senior Attorney Amanda Garcia termed xAI’s actions “appalling”, warning of increased risks of asthma, respiratory diseases, and cancer because of turbine emissions.
In a bid to dismiss pollution concerns, anonymous fliers were distributed in Black communities, prompting an investigation into who is behind them.
A lawsuit has also been filed by the public, scheduled to be heard by the Shelby County Health Department to assess xAI’s draft air permit. However, to the dismay of the resident of Tennessee, xAI is reportedly planning to double the size of its Memphis facility.
