"The company’s turbines — enough to power 280,000 homes — run without emission controls in an area that leads Tennessee in asthma hospitalizations."

"MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company is belching smog-forming pollution into an area of South Memphis that already leads the state in emergency department visits for asthma.

None of the 35 methane gas turbines that help power xAI’s massive supercomputer is equipped with pollution controls typically required by federal rules.

The company has no Clean Air Act permits.

In just 11 months since the company arrived in Memphis, xAI has become one of the largest emitters of smog-producing nitrogen oxides in Shelby County, an area whose air is already considered unhealthy due to smog."

Ariel Wittenberg reports for E&E News May 1, 2025. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"NASA Proposal Would Shift Agency’s Focus Away From Space Science" (New York Times) [3]

"Elon Musk’s Doge Conflicts Of Interest Worth $2.37 Billion, Senate Report Says" (Guardian) [4]

"Elon Musk’s Business Empire Scores Benefits Under Trump Shake-Up" (New York Times) [5]