A senior U.S. lawmaker has asked SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to provide a tour of the company’s AI data centers and power facilities in and around Memphis, Tennessee, as concerns grow over the environmental and community impact of large AI infrastructure projects.
Rep. Frank Pallone, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, said local communities are increasingly worried about how AI data centers could affect electricity costs, the power grid, pollution, property values, jobs, and quality of life. He has requested information about the facilities by Aug. 11.
The AI facilities, known as Colossus and Colossus 2, include 3 data centers equipped with advanced Nvidia processors. They were originally built by xAI before being acquired by SpaceX. The sites support the development of Grok AI models, chatbot services, and image editing tools, while also advancing the company’s long-term goal of building orbital data centers.
Public opposition to AI data centers has been growing across the U.S. A survey published in May found that 7 in 10 Americans oppose building an AI data center in their local community, with 48% strongly opposed.
Pallone accused SpaceX of creating “a massive health risk” by using off-grid gas turbines to power its facilities without the required permits and pollution controls. He also criticized what he described as the company’s “disregard for the health and well-being of local communities.”
The issue has also drawn legal attention. The U.S. Department of Justice has moved to intervene in a lawsuit filed by environmental groups and the NAACP seeking to stop xAI’s use of what they describe as illegal, air-polluting turbines.
In his letter, Pallone wrote, “The Trump Administration has essentially claimed that it alone decides whether SpaceXAI and other companies get a free pass to pollute unimpeded.” He added, “But just because the Trump Administration will bend over backward to give tech companies free rein over community air, water, and land does not make your actions legal.”
Separately, New Jersey recently introduced legislation requiring data center operators to pay a fair share of electricity costs rather than passing those expenses on to residents and businesses.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.