xAI in Memphis: A Case Study on AI Data Centers & Environmental Justice Issues

Schedule

Sat Oct 25 2025 at 10:20 am to 11:20 am

UTC-04:00

Location

University of Tennessee law school | Knoxville, TN

Advertisement
As technology accelerates with the development of Artificial Intelligence, it’s creating huge demands on energy systems nationwide. These demands frequently exacerbate environmental injustices, creating energy and environmental burdens for already-marginalized, frontline communities. Environmental justice (EJ) advocates in Memphis, Tennessee, are fighting for guardrails and transparency around the development of an Elon Musk-owned xAI data center. XAI wanted to move more rapidly than local utility providers could provide the massive amount of power xAI required, so the company quickly set up its own methane gas-fired power plant, worsening smog in a community that already fails to meet minimum federal standards. Even after local EJ advocates raised the issue, local air regulators looked the other way and did not require xAI to get a permit before operating the power plant. EJ advocates continue to raise questions and demand accountability from xAI and all of the local agencies that are enabling the company to profit at the expense of the health and well-being of lower-wealth, predominantly Black Southwest Memphis.
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

University of Tennessee law school, University of Tennessee Tickle College of Engineering, 863 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Knoxville

APIEL 16 PRESENTS: Mutual Aid networks on the fly--responding to eco-disasters collectively.
Sat, 25 Oct at 09:00 am APIEL 16 PRESENTS: Mutual Aid networks on the fly--responding to eco-disasters collectively.

UT Law School

WORKSHOPS KENTUCKY-DERBY
Diocesan Women's Day Conference
Sat, 25 Oct at 09:30 am Diocesan Women's Day Conference

Episcopal Church of the Ascension

BUSINESS CONFERENCES
Fall Frolic Craft Fair & Festival
Sat, 25 Oct at 10:00 am Fall Frolic Craft Fair & Festival

1220 W Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN

FESTIVALS CHRISTMAS-MARKETS-AND-FAIRS
Little Learners Funday
Sat, 25 Oct at 10:00 am Little Learners Funday

6701 Washington Pike, Knoxville, TN, United States, Tennessee 37918

KIDS
Fall Colors Ride
Sat, 25 Oct at 10:30 am Fall Colors Ride

5810 Clinton Hwy, Knoxville, TN, United States, Tennessee 37912

Felted Photos: Wet & Needle Felting
Sat, 25 Oct at 10:30 am Felted Photos: Wet & Needle Felting

1127 N Broadway Suite B, Knoxville, TN, United States, Tennessee 37917

WORKSHOPS
K*ll The Lights Beer Fest 2025
Sat, 25 Oct at 11:00 am K*ll The Lights Beer Fest 2025

Covenant Health Park

FESTIVALS WORKSHOPS
Xul Beer Company Presents: K*ll the Lights Beer Festival 2025
Sat, 25 Oct at 12:00 pm Xul Beer Company Presents: K*ll the Lights Beer Festival 2025

Covenant Health Park

FESTIVALS BEER-FESTIVALS
The Cost of Thriving
Tue, 20 Aug at 12:00 pm The Cost of Thriving

2205 Village Pl Way

Seize Control & Achieve Business Excellence Knoxville (Online)
Mon, 27 Jan at 08:00 pm Seize Control & Achieve Business Excellence Knoxville (Online)

Knoxville

BUSINESS WORKSHOPS
IBN Biz Lunch - Knoxville TN (South)
Tue, 02 Sep at 12:00 pm IBN Biz Lunch - Knoxville TN (South)

Gondolier South Knoxville

MEETUPS BUSINESS
Morning Momentum: Marketing & Promoting Your Business
Wed, 03 Sep at 08:30 am Morning Momentum: Marketing & Promoting Your Business

Maple Hall

BUSINESS
Everyday Leadership 2025
Sat, 06 Sep at 09:00 am Everyday Leadership 2025

701 Merchant Dr, Knoxville, TN, United States, Tennessee 37912

WORKSHOPS
Full Armour Women's Conference
Sat, 06 Sep at 02:00 pm Full Armour Women's Conference

6470 Burnett Creek rd

BUSINESS CONFERENCES
Denim, Diamonds \ud83d\udc8e and Peals Gala
Sat, 06 Sep at 06:00 pm Denim, Diamonds πŸ’Ž and Peals Gala

Oak Ridge, TN

BUSINESS LIVE-MUSIC
Revival
Sun, 07 Sep at 08:45 am Revival

405 Black Oak Dr, Knoxville, TN, United States, Tennessee 37912

2025 Trees & Utilities Conference
Tue, 09 Sep at 08:00 am 2025 Trees & Utilities Conference

Knoxville Convention Center

BUSINESS CONFERENCES
IDS Knoxville:  Science in Design | Mike Peterson
Tue, 09 Sep at 05:15 pm IDS Knoxville: Science in Design | Mike Peterson

Friedman's Appliances

ART HEALTH-WELLNESS
UTK Career Fair - Fall 2025
Wed, 10 Sep at 11:00 am UTK Career Fair - Fall 2025

UT Creamery

IT HEALTH-WELLNESS
'Recovering from Purity Culture' with Dr. Camden Morgante | All Souls Church 2025 Lecture Series
Wed, 10 Sep at 07:00 pm 'Recovering from Purity Culture' with Dr. Camden Morgante | All Souls Church 2025 Lecture Series

100 W 5th Ave, Knoxville, TN, United States, Tennessee

ART LITERARY-ART

What's Happening Next in Knoxville?

Discover Knoxville Events