
Leading civil rights organization, the NAACP, is reportedly calling for the immediate shutdown of a proposed xAI data center facility in Memphis, Tennessee. The powerful group has raised significant pollution concerns regarding the project’s potential impact on the local environment and community health.
The organization’s stance centers on potential negative effects on both air quality and water resources associated with large-scale data center operations. These facilities often require substantial energy consumption and cooling systems, which can have considerable environmental footprints.
Advocates highlight issues of environmental justice, arguing that the placement and operation of such large industrial sites can disproportionately affect surrounding residential areas, potentially impacting the health and well-being of residents. The call for a shutdown reflects a deep concern that these environmental risks have not been adequately addressed.
The NAACP is urging relevant authorities and the company developing the site to halt operations and further development until comprehensive assessments are conducted and robust measures are put in place to mitigate any potential pollution. This represents a significant challenge to the planned development, emphasizing the growing scrutiny on the environmental impact of technological infrastructure. The focus remains on protecting communities from potential harm linked to industrial expansion.
Source: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/naacp-calls-for-shutdown-of-xais-memphis-data-center-amid-air-pollution-concerns/