Memphis-Area Lawsuit Targets xAI’s Colossus Data-Center Turbines
By James Dargan · · 1 min read
Civil-rights and environmental groups today served notice of a Clean Air Act lawsuit against Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging the Colossus AI-compute facility has run 35 unpermitted natural-gas turbines capable of emitting more than 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides annually.
In a 60-day intent letter, the Southern Environmental Law Center said xAI “installed and operated the fleet without pre-construction or operating permits,” placing vulnerable Memphis residents at risk; the NAACP is co-plaintiff. Aerial and thermal imagery collected in March and June showed at least 26 machines active despite local claims of removal.
Shelby County Health Department previously suggested exemptions; SELC counters that Tennessee law requires permits for all new pollution sources.
