According to CNBC, Elon Musk’s xAI attained an official permit to power its supercomputer facility in Memphis, , using natural gas-burning turbines.
The permits were issued last Wednesday by Shelby County Health Department despite local residents concerns about the turbines’ impact on local air quality.
People who live near the Colossus supercomputer in Memphis have complained of poor air quality and found it nearly impossible to keep windows open or exercise outdoors due to the smell.
The turbines reportedly emit pollutants, which have been associated with higher risk of death from respiratory disease as well as issues with the ozone layer.
xAI currently faces a pending lawsuit from the NAACP, which says Musk’s company has violated the Clean Air Act with its use of the turbines.
In order to keep operating the 15 turbines, Musk’s facility will face formal emissions limits, testing requirements and deadlines with non compliance fines up to $10,000 per violation.
