What’s happening in Tennessee
Memphis has become the epicenter of the national data center backlash. Elon Musk’s xAI operates two massive data centers — Colossus 1 and Colossus 2 — powered by dozens of unpermitted natural gas turbines that have turned the nation’s largest majority-Black city into a cautionary tale about unchecked AI infrastructure expansion.
In April 2026, the NAACP sued xAI for violating the Clean Air Act, alleging the company is illegally operating 27 gas turbines without air permits at its Southaven, Mississippi power plant — effectively building a de facto power plant for Colossus 2. Despite being notified of the violations, xAI added six more turbines, bringing the total to 33 unpermitted units. The NAACP filed for a preliminary injunction in May to force xAI to stop immediately.
The facility has the potential to emit more than 1,700 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides per year, likely making it the largest industrial NOx source in the greater Memphis area — a region already failing national smog standards. The turbines also release up to 236 tons of fine particulate matter and 19 tons of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
On May 5, 2026, activists staged a die-in protest, lying across the entrance to Colossus 1 for two hours wearing respirator masks. “We need to make it known that this is not acceptable — having no regulation, polluting water, polluting air is not acceptable,” one protester told reporters.
The EPA has since closed the loophole xAI exploited to classify its trailer-mounted turbines as “non-road engines,” requiring Clean Air Act permits going forward. xAI is planning a third data center (“Macrohardrr”) in Southaven and has applied for a $659 million expansion at the existing Memphis site. Now owned by SpaceX after their merger, xAI uses these facilities to power its Grok AI chatbot.
Why Tennessee residents are concerned
Water supply. A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons of water per day during peak cooling operations — equivalent to the daily water use of approximately 10,000 homes. Nationally, AI data centers consumed roughly 17 billion gallons of water in 2023, projected to reach 68 billion gallons by 2028.
Electricity rates. Data centers draw continuous, massive power loads — 50 to 300+ megawatts per facility. Without dedicated rate structures, residential ratepayers absorb the cost of grid upgrades needed to serve these industrial loads. At least 18 states have introduced bills in 2026 creating special rate classes for large energy users.
Property values. Research consistently shows that proximity to industrial infrastructure — including data centers — negatively impacts residential property values. Windowless warehouse-scale buildings, diesel generators, continuous noise, and industrial traffic are incompatible with residential neighborhoods.
Noise. Data center cooling systems and backup generators produce persistent low-frequency noise that operates 24/7. Residents near facilities in Virginia, Georgia, and across the country report sleep disruption, elevated stress, and degraded quality of life.
Environment. Data centers generate diesel emissions from backup generators, increase impervious surface coverage causing stormwater runoff, and create heat island effects. Construction permanently removes land from agricultural or ecological use.
How to oppose a data center in Tennessee
Attend your county commission or city council meetings. Local elected officials control zoning and land use decisions. Public comment periods are your most direct opportunity to voice opposition. Bring specific concerns — water impact, property values, electricity rates, noise — and reference relevant state and local legislation.
Send a formal opposition letter. Written opposition becomes part of the public record and carries significant weight with commissioners. Letters should cite specific concerns, reference relevant statutes, and be addressed to every commissioner by name. We handle this for you →
Organize your neighbors. Join or create a local opposition group. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. Strength in numbers changes votes.
Engage state legislators. Contact your state representative and senator. Tell them you support regulatory frameworks that protect communities from data center impacts — including moratoriums, ratepayer protections, and environmental review requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How can I oppose a data center in Tennessee?
Attend your county commission or city council meetings, submit formal opposition letters to your elected officials, and engage with state-level legislation. More than 268 community groups across 37 states are actively fighting data center developments. We can research your local officials and send a personalized opposition letter on your behalf for you.
How much water does a data center use?
A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons of water per day during peak cooling. AI data centers consumed roughly 17 billion gallons nationally in 2023, projected to reach 68 billion gallons by 2028.
Do data centers lower property values?
Research consistently shows that proximity to industrial infrastructure — including data centers — can negatively impact residential property values. Windowless warehouse-scale buildings, diesel generators, and continuous noise are incompatible with residential neighborhoods.