Mayor calls out ‘misinformation' on xAI in Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor Paul Young is speaking out against what he calls 'misinformation' surrounding xAI in Memphis.
It's happening as debates and discussions continue among city leaders. This week, the Greater Memphis Chamber met with stakeholders and the Memphis chapter of the NAACP about it.
It's been a year since Elon Musk announced that xAI would be in Memphis. Since that announcement, it's sparked debates among community members and leaders.
Representative Justin Pearson and the Memphis chapter of the NAACP have spoken out against the project, citing health and environmental concerns.
Rep. Justin Pearson, NAACP aim to halt xAI project in Memphis
While other lawmakers have voiced their support for xAI, with mentions of the economic impacts it could bring to the city.
'This is, in my opinion, this is a golden opportunity for the communities down around the xAI facility. They're investing, like, say, up to $60 billion in the years to come. This is money we can pump in those communities,' said Representative Mark White (R-Memphis).
This week, Mayor Paul Young announced a 'Community Benefit Ordinance,' to make sure 25% of xAI's city property tax revenue will be reinvested into nearby communities.
He says this would bring millions of dollars to Memphis with more than $100M being poured into the city, over the next decade.
Environmental groups have claimed that xAI plans to install 45 to 90 gas turbines to power their supercomputer, and is operating turbines illegally.
Mayor proposes ordinance to invest xAI tax revenue into Memphis communities
Young said he doesn't know where those numbers came from, but the company had 35 methane-gas turbines. It has dropped down to 21 turbines and would only use 15 for backup power.
The company legally has 365 days to use them without a permit.
'We can do both things. We can make sure we are protecting our people. We're protecting the environment, and that we're bringing historic investments to our neighborhoods and communities,' said Mayor Young.
Representative Pearson has been vocal about the impact xAI could have on communities that he says are already affected by poor air quality and other environmental issues.
Mayor Young says he's aware of the concerns; however, he wants there to be more clarification about the project and what it entails.
'We're certainly concerned about the environmental challenges that the community experiences,' said Young. 'We know that the turbines that will be the permanent turbines will have what they call, selective catalytic reduction technology and those are big words to say, 'It minimizes the emissions.''
Mayor Young and Representative Mark White told WREG the tax revenue from xAI could be poured into Boxtown and surrounding communities to improve housing and well-being.
They say transformation and investments into Memphis are important, and this project aims to do that.
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