TELL THE TVA BOARD TO STOP xAI!
Memphians deserve transparency and and to have a voice in the future of our community.
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On June 5, 2024, the Memphis Chamber of Commerce held a press conference to announce that xAI, a tech startup owned by Elon Musk, intends to build the world’s largest supercomputer in Southwest Memphis at 3231 Paul Lowry Rd. It has been said that this “Gigafactory of Compute” will provide the computing power needed for AI searches and other forms of machine learning like self-driving cars. To accomplish this, xAI needs 150MW of energy – enough to power 100,000 homes and 1 to 1.5 million gallons of water per day to cool the supercomputer.
For xAI to get the power it needs from Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the TVA Board has to authorize the pending request to make new amounts of firm power exceeding 100 megawatts available.
After being blindsided by the xAI news, MCAP and our partners Protect our Aquifer and Young Gifted & Green released a joint media statement raising concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding this deal and this project's potential environmental and public health impacts. It also appeared that our elected City and County officials, along with their constituents, had been left in the dark about this project. According to media reports, xAI will be operational in August 2024.
We call on the TVA Board to DENY THE REQUEST because:
MLGW officials have not obtained local approvals from the MLGW Board of Commissioners and the Memphis City Council before submitting its request.
TVA recently stated in the Federal Register that it was concerned with service reliability in Memphis.
TVA must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) before authorizing service to xAI.
For too long, corporations have been allowed to make decisions about the future of this city without including the people who actually live here in these conversations. It is time to create a new way of doing things in our city, where the livelihood and health of local communities are considered. We can do good business in this city while ensuring that people and companies can co-exist and thrive without harming human health and our environment.
Please sign our Petition today asking the TVA Board to send MLGW and TVA back to the drawing board, requiring them to do business the right way.
Read More
Permits not required for temporary xAI turbines via Daily Memphian - 8/10/24
Environmental groups urge TVA not to serve xAI via Daily Memphian - 7/31/24
Environmental groups urge TVA to deny xAI supercomputer power via Action News 5 - 7/30/24
In Memphis, an AI Supercomputer From Elon Musk Stirs Hope and Concern - 7/25/24
Memphis leaders celebrate xAI, but will its ‘burden’ go unchecked? via MLK50 - 7/22/24
What’s Killing Us?: WREG investigates environmental lead poisoning via WREG - 7/20/24
’What are they giving us?’ | Memphis environmental groups still searching for answers surrounding Elon Musk’s tech company xAI via ABC24 - 6/30
South Memphis community voices concerns over xAI supercomputer facility via Fox13 - 6/29/24
Environmental groups push for transparency around xAI via Daily Memphian - 6/19/24
Environmental ask MLGW to work with Musk’s xAI to use clean energy and reclaimed water via ABC24 - 6/19/24
Environmental groups concerned over potential impact of possible xAI supercomputer site in southwest Memphis via ABC24 - 6/6/24
xAI supercomputer may need 1M gallons of water, plenty of power, groups says via WREG - 6/6/24
A million gallons a day? —Elon Musk’s supercomputer plans raise questions about local water supply via Action News 5 - 6/5/24
Experts talks benefits, environmental concerns as Elon Musk plans to build AI company in Memphis via Fox13 - 6/5/24