By: Lexx Thornton
Elon Musk is a businessman known for his leadership of Tesla, Space X, and X (formally known as Twitter). Since 2025, he has been a senior advisor to United States President Donald Trump and the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency.
Recently Elon Musk’s xAI acquired plans for further expansion in Southwest Memphis properties. With this plan, it could be the largest capital investment by a new-to-market company to ever happen in Memphis.
This plant is a supercomputer facility that is designed for AI research & development. This project will have an opportunity for economic growth & technological advancement. This could position Memphis as a central hub in the global AI landscape attracting possible further investments and collaborations in the tech industry.
Although this project has benefits it has also caused a rise in environmental and community concerns. The location is set to be in the heart of South Memphis which is an area already burdened with high pollution levels and associated health issues including elevated rates of asthma and cancer. Politician and Tennessee State Representative from Memphis, TN, Justin J. Pearson has been actively advocating against the unpermitted generators while trying to get locals and other state officials on board with realizing the major health concerns this could have on the city.