Topline
The NAACP on Tuesday filed an intent to sue Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI, over concerns the company generates air pollution near predominantly Black communities from a supercomputer in Memphis, according to reports.
FILE = The xAI data center is seen, May 7, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, file)
Key Facts
The Southern Environmental Law Center filed the 60-day intent to sue on behalf of the NAACP on Tuesday, alleging the company violated the Clean Air Act in Memphis over the past year, according to the notice of intent to sue cited on the SELC’s website.
The intent to sue also claims xAI’s operations in Black neighborhoods increased the existing level of ozone pollution in Memphis, which could lead to irritation to peoples’ lungs and cause asthma attacks.
Forbes has reached out to xAI for comment.
Key Background
Elon Musk expanded xAI’s supercomputer project in Memphis in December 2024—a project the SELC said started June of that year. According to aerial images obtained by the SELC, 35 methane gas turbines were established at the site in March, and images from April that nearly all of them were emitting significant amounts of heat. The NAACP is claiming these gas turbines have worsened pollution and released hazardous chemicals that contribute to a rise in asthma, respiratory diseases, heart problems and certain cancers among predominantly Black communities.
Crucial Quote
NAACP President Derrick Johnson said in a statement Tuesday, “All too often, big corporations like xAI treat our communities and families like obstacles to be pushed aside.”
Tangent
The NAACP said Monday it will not invite President Donald Trump to its national convention in July set to take place in Charlotte, NC—the first time in its 116-year history the organization has excluded a sitting president from attending.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/yezensaadah/2025/06/17/elon-musks-ai-firm-could-face-lawsuit-over-concerns-of-pollution-in-black-neighborhoods-in-memphis/