Elon Musk's xAI Faces Dual Backlash Over Memphis Turbine Permits

Opposition to xAI’s Memphis data center intensified after environmental and civil rights groups appealed a permit that allowed the use of natural gas-burning turbines to power the data center, according to CNBC. Critics argue the turbines were miscategorized and unlawfully permitted, violating the Clean Air Act and disproportionately harming residents in majority-Black neighborhoods. xAI called the appeal “baseless” and stated that it complies with all applicable laws. xAI called the appeal baseless and politically motivated, affirming its ongoing compliance with all laws. The company is also under fire after its Grok chatbot generated antisemitic posts and sexually explicit AI content.