Fact Check: "At least 26 turbines remain operational at xAI's site"
What We Know
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, is currently facing a lawsuit regarding its operations at a supercomputer facility in Memphis, Tennessee. The lawsuit, led by the NAACP and supported by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), alleges that xAI has been operating natural gas-burning turbines without the necessary permits, contributing to air pollution in nearby predominantly Black neighborhoods (New York Times).
According to the SELC, aerial photographs taken in March 2025 indicated that there were 35 gas turbines installed at the site (Business & Human Rights). Subsequent thermal images revealed that at least 33 of these turbines were operational (Business & Human Rights). A more recent flight on June 15, 2025, confirmed that at least 26 turbines remained operational, including three new turbines that had been installed since the previous observations (TechCrunch).
xAI has stated that it takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and claims that the temporary power generation units are operating in compliance with applicable laws (New York Times). However, local officials and environmental groups argue that xAI has not obtained the required permits to operate these turbines, which are capable of generating significant electricity, enough to rival the needs of approximately 100,000 homes (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that "at least 26 turbines remain operational at xAI's site" is supported by multiple credible sources. The SELC's aerial photography and thermal imaging provide strong evidence that a substantial number of turbines are indeed operational. The SELC's assertion that 33 turbines were operational in April and the confirmation of at least 26 operational turbines in June indicates a consistent pattern of operation (Business & Human Rights, TechCrunch).
However, the reliability of the sources must also be considered. The SELC is a legal nonprofit organization focused on environmental issues, which lends credibility to their findings. The NAACP's involvement further emphasizes the community's concerns regarding environmental justice. On the other hand, xAI's statements defending its operations should be viewed with caution, as they come from a company facing legal challenges and may be motivated by a desire to mitigate public backlash.
The context of the lawsuit adds complexity to the situation. The allegations of operating without permits raise questions about the legality of xAI's actions, which could impact the validity of the operational status of the turbines. While xAI claims compliance with laws, the ongoing legal proceedings suggest that this assertion is contested (New York Times, Business & Human Rights).
Conclusion
The claim that "at least 26 turbines remain operational at xAI's site" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence from credible sources indicating that at least 26 turbines are indeed operational, the legality of their operation is under dispute due to allegations of lacking necessary permits. Therefore, while the operational status of the turbines is confirmed, the context of their operation raises significant legal and ethical questions.
