MEMPHIS, Tenn. — State Representative Justin J. Pearson was not mincing words on Monday when he hosted a dinner and learning session in southwest Memphis.
Meeting organizers said they arranged the session after hearing Memphis Mayor Paul Young on WREG talking about the xAI project.
Days later, Rep. Pearson shared his rebuttal and a warning about pollution.
“Folks want facts, go to VoteJustinJPearson.com. Everything that I am reading is on my website and it says ‘Read what Rep. Pearson reads,” Pearson said. “I’m waiting on Mayor Young to post what he’s reading on his website.”
Video provided by Oilfield Witness, a pro-climate group, provided images of pollution emitted from xAI’s methane gas turbines.
Pearson said cameras show a formation of potential smog from nitrogen oxides and other emissions hovering over southwest Memphis.
He added that the smog could lead to higher rates of asthma, coughing, throat irritation and other health-related problems.
“Shelby County still got an ‘F’ in air pollution using the other people’s monitors,” Pearson said. “That is how bad it is.”
WREG brought those air pollution claims directly to the Greater Memphis Chamber, an advocate for xAI.
“I think it is important to recognize that the Environmental Protection Agency allows for stationary turbines to emit no more than 25 parts per million,” said Bobby White, the Chief Government Affairs Officer for the Greater Memphis Chamber.
The Greater Memphis Chamber maintains that not all 35 turbines were active for xAI.
White said the current temporary turbines are 10 parts per million in terms of emissions, which is below regulations.
He said the same goes for the 15 turbines xAI is seeking approval to operate, as back-up power, from the Shelby County Health Department, but those, he said, will put out even less gas.
“It is mentioned in the permit regarding the selective catalytic reduction that should be put, will be put into the turbines that will eventually emit at 2-parts per million,” White said.
Pearson rebutted, saying that technology to control pollution wouldn’t be required to be installed in the turbines until September, after a potential approval from the Shelby County Health Department.
Pearson encouraged more people to verify what they’re hearing about xAi and its supporters.
“One thing Ronald Reagan said that is worth repeating: ‘Trust but verify,” Pearson said.
On Tuesday morning, the NAACP and the Southern Environmental Law Center will hold a news briefing discussing a new update about xAI’s data center.
We’ll let you know what they have to say.
