The growth of AI computing is presenting challenges to meeting the high energy demands that the data centers place on the power grid. To meet their need for electricity, tech companies are turning to natural gas to provide power, which has made AI a target of environmentalists. When tech titan Elon Musk enters the picture, the controversy only grows louder.
Musk’s xAI company built a data center in Memphis, Tennessee, last year. According to the Memphis Chamber of Commerce, the facility will bring up to 500 well-paying jobs to the city.
The facility is partially powered by dozens of small natural-gas turbines — most of which are temporary. A relentless environmentalist campaign erupted, accusing the facility of polluting the skies over predominantly black neighborhoods. The city responded by conducting air quality tests, which showed no dangerous levels of pollutants.
Rather than ease the environmentalists’ concerns, the protesters have refused to accept the findings of the analysis. The NAACP has notified xAI of its intent to sue in 60 days, a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit under the Clean Air Act, alleging that the facility is operating without the proper air permits, which xAI denies.
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Author: Marty Kaufmann
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