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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Dara Kerr

Elon Musk’s xAI gets permit for methane gas generators

Group of people at lectern during press conference, in front of NAACP banner
State representative Justin J Pearson at a press conference announcing the NAACP’s plans to sue xAI, on 17 June 2025 in Memphis. Photograph: Mark Weber/AP

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI has been granted a permit to run methane gas generators at its massive datacenter in Memphis, Tennessee. The county health department approved the permit for the 15 machines late on Wednesday, a move that has sparked outcry from the local community and environmental leaders, who say the generators pollute their neighborhoods.

“Our local leaders are entrusted with protecting us from corporations violating on our right to clean air, but we are witnessing their failure to do so,” said KeShaun Pearson, the director of the local environmental non-profit Memphis Community Against Pollution.

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