Sad News: Elon Musk’s AI company hit with setback after major loophole closes: ‘Billionaires chasing another buck’…see more

Memphis, Tennessee, residents are hopeful that Elon Musk’s xAI will no longer be able to take advantage of a loophole that allowed his facilities to bypass air quality regulations.

As many as 35 turbines were operated without air quality permits because xAI exploited a county regulation that generators could run without such approvals as long as they didn’t remain in one place for more than 364 days.

Community advocates say that pollution from data centers is causing further harm to historically Black neighborhoods, which also disproportionately bear the burden of industrial emissions.

“The agency estimates the final action will result in the net annual [nitrogen oxide] emission reductions of up to 296 tons by 2032,” an EPA spokesperson told The Guardian.

Even though the EPA’s declaration is a victory for advocates pushing back against the harmful effects of data center pollution, it is unclear how enforcement will occur. The Guardian reported that the EPA spokesperson didn’t respond to a request for details on the matter.