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Elon Musk’s xAI division is facing a legal battle over its use of polluting generators at a data center near Memphis, Tennessee. The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against xAI for operating dozens of unregulated gas turbines that worsen air quality in one of the most polluted regions of the country.
As part of this ongoing dispute, xAI recently announced plans to purchase another $2.8 billion worth of generators over the next three years. One specific deal is for “mobile gas turbines,” which are currently under legal scrutiny due to their lack of permits. This move underscores xAI’s apparent reliance on these generators despite regulatory challenges.
- xAI uses mobile gas turbines that can emit up to 2,000 tons of NOx annually, contributing significantly to air pollution in the region.
- The company claims it operates these turbines without permits because they are “mobile,” a distinction that is being challenged by environmental groups and regulatory bodies.
- Despite acknowledging potential risks, xAI insists on using these generators for its AI infrastructure, citing their importance to its business operations.
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Originally published at techcrunch.com. Curated by AI Maestro.
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