In response to growing environmental concerns in South Memphis, the Shelby County Commission has proposed a resolution that would require the Shelby County Health Department to provide monthly — rather than quarterly — updates on local air quality in South Memphis.
The proposal stems from rising tensions surrounding emissions linked to xAI, the world’s largest supercomputer facility, which began operations in South Memphis last year. Community members and environmental groups say xAI and other related facilities have contributed to a noticeable decline in air quality.
KeShaun Pearson, president of Memphis Community Against Pollution (MCAP), told ABC24 the proposed resolution is long overdue.
“It’s a huge step forward because it brings us out of the dark,” Pearson said. “We continue to be closed out of the information that we are owed from our public institution, especially the folks who are supposed to protect us, like our Shelby County Health Department.”
Currently, air quality testing takes place some 20 miles away from the running xAI site, as Pearson pointed out to ABC24:
“This our everyday life growing up out here in South Memphis. So the air we breathing in, it’s definitely important because it’s causing people to get sick,” Mr. Bash said.
Pearson also highlighted the unequal distribution of air quality monitors across the county.
“It’s ridiculous when you have [a monitor] in Shelby Farms, but you don’t have one where the concentration of pollution is. And why is that?” he asked.
ABC24 reached out to Shelby County Health Director Dr. Michelle Taylor, who declined an on-camera interview but stated that the department will respond to questions about monthly reporting if and when the County Commission approves the resolution.
The vote is slated for Monday.