Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, has been accused of exacerbating Memphis' existing smog problem by operating gas turbines without proper permits at its new data centre.

xAI reportedly installed at least 18 gas combustion turbines at its Memphis, Tenessee facility over the past few months without obtaining necessary permits. The turbines emit nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to the area's longstanding smog issue. 

The facility requires an enormous amount of electricity. It currently receives 50 megawatts from the local utility but needs an additional 100 megawatts.

The Southern Environmental Law Center sent a letter to the Shelby County Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, urging an investigation into xAI's unpermitted use of the turbines and the resulting pollution.

The Shelby County Health Department claims it lacks current permitting authority over these turbines due to their mobile nature and operation for less than a year.

This situation highlights the environmental challenges posed by the increasing power demands of large-scale artificial intelligence operations, particularly in areas already struggling with air quality issues.