this post was submitted on 04 Jun 2025
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TokenBoomer@lemmy.world
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We went to the town Elon Musk is poisoning (youtu.be)
submitted 1 week ago by TokenBoomer@lemmy.world to c/progressivepolitics@lemmy.world
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Elon Musk’s massive xAI data center is poisoning Memphis.

It's burning enough gas to power a small city, with no permits and no pollution controls.

Residents tell us they can’t breathe and they’re getting sicker.

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[–] Xaphanos@lemmy.world 10 points 1 week ago (2 children)

I would guess it's diesel as that's what most MW scale generators for data centers use.

[–] NotMyOldRedditName@lemmy.world 7 points 1 week ago

I saw a previous article that said it was methane.

[–] 0ndead@infosec.pub 4 points 1 week ago (5 children)

Why would a data center be running off its back up generators 24/7?

[–] TarantulaFudge@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 day ago

I've been following this closely. MLGW does not have capacity in the grid to power the data center, which would take like 60% of an already strained power grid. Their solution was to install 35 dirty methane power generators. Probably because Musk already has the ability to produce methane for SpaceX. It's been absolutely awful, the smog has been extreme and nobody wants these generators to be here. This was Musk solution because they didn't want to pay to upgrade the Memphis power grid.

[–] Greyghoster@aussie.zone 4 points 1 week ago

Got the impression that he needed his own power station for this data centre. Must be a grid shortage or he has a cheap fuel deal.

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

To dodge code restrictions.

[–] outhouseperilous@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 week ago

If theyre not 'permanent' and installed, environmental protections and taxes dont apply.