Environmental Activists Press for Answers From Health Dept as xAI Awaits Approval for Turbine Project

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – There is ongoing community opposition regarding the Southwest Memphis xAI facility’s current operation of gas turbines. The Shelby County Health Department is now deliberating whether to approve or reject the continuous usage of these turbines.

On Wednesday, the Shelby County Commission presented a resolution requesting updates from xAI, Tennessee Valley Authority, MLGW, and the Chamber of Commerce regarding when the data center will be able to cease reliance on the methane-fueled turbine operations.

None of the representatives from these firms showed up at the meeting. However, Shelby County Health Department Deputy Director Kasia Smith-Alexander was present before the board to address queries concerning the environmental effects of the turbines.

The environmental activists who attended the meeting expressed disappointment with the responses provided to their queries.

They provided us with numerous evasive responses. They offered multiple reasons for their ongoing failure," states Orion Overstreet from Tigers vs Musk. "Then, just as the public commentary phase began, they suddenly departed. It was absurd.

We keep getting told about their limitations," states KeShaun Pearson, the president of Memphis Community Against Pollution. "We consistently hear about impossibilities. But what exactly is achievable? At what point will we begin receiving viable solutions rather than empty responses?

Smith-Alexander informed the county commissioners that a decision regarding the permit approval would take several weeks. The window for submitting public comments on the permit application closes today.

xAI is seeking permission for the continuous operation of 15 methane turbines. These turbines have been approved for their temporary usage for a period not exceeding 364 days.

The Southern Environmental Law Center released updated geothermal imagery that pinpointed 33 operational wind turbines at xAI. Pearson along with his sibling, State Representative Justin Pearson, displayed this visual during a demonstration held outside the SCHD premises on Wednesday evening.

The city of Memphis should have clean air. It also deserves initiatives that support solar and clean energy," states KeShaun Pearson. "Certainly not this harmful form of pollution.

Both Pearsons have contended that the turbines are exacerbating air pollution in Southwest Memphis, thereby increasing residents' vulnerability to cancer and asthma.

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