‘Pollution hotspot’ TN rep. calls out Mayor Lee Harris about xAI remarks

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee Representative Justin J. Pearson says he has concerns about Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris’ recent remarks about xAI.

Pearson said Mayor Hariss’s statement — ‘I currently don’t have any reason to have any concerns’ (about xAI) is disturbing.

xAI has been using 15 gas-powered turbines to provide electricity to power its Colossus supercomputer in southwest Memphis on a temporary basis for the past several months.

Last month, Pearson led a protest against the xAI turbines in Memphis. On May 9, he called out Director Dr. Michelle Taylor of the Shelby County Health Department and Mayor Harris, demanding answers.

Pearson calls out Health Department, Mayor Harris over xAI

“xAI is demobilizing turbines in Shelby County and has no plans to site any turbines at its Tulane location. The company continues to evaluate various power solutions for its Memphis facilities while working within all applicable regulatory frameworks,” the Greater Memphis Chamber stated earlier this month.

The Health Department released a statement two weeks ago, saying in part, “The Shelby County Health Department is currently reviewing the air permit application submitted by xAI for a synthetic minor source under the state regulations and the Clean Air Act.”

Pearson said the following in a statement:

Mayor Lee doesn’t seem to be listening and it seems he doesn’t care to understand the lived experiences of those most directly impacted by corporate polluters.

His dismissive comments suggest he has not read the research, considered the science, or engaged with experts who have found that xAI’s illegal operations have likely pumped 17.2 million tons of Formaldehyde and more nitrogen oxides into the air over the past year than the Memphis International Airport. His failure to act signals that he does not see how allowing xAI to disregard the Clean Air Act and local air pollution law, putting profit over people, is problematic, even though he supervises the Director of the Shelby County Health Department.

As Shelby County Mayor, Mr. Harris does not have the luxury of only caring about his friends, family, and the business community. His role demands that he lead with strength, wisdom, and compassion for all residents. I regard his refusal—or inability—to lead on this issue as not only a betrayal of public trust, but also a glaring display of incompetence and a commitment to maintaining the status quo.

Group claims xAI plans turbines at new site; Chamber says no

Pearson says he expects the mayor to be concerned about xAI, an unpermitted gas plant in Shelby County.

“Our county has received an ‘F’ or ‘D’ in air quality during his tenure. Shelby County is a pollution hotspot and holds the shameful title of “Asthma Capital of the U.S.” More adults and children are hospitalized in Shelby County due to respiratory illnesses than all of the other 94 counties in Tennessee,” said Rep. Pearson.

“We will continue to fight to prevent xAI and other corporations from polluting our lungs,” said Rep. Pearson. And, we will hold our elected officials accountable to the people they were elected to serve—not to the billionaires who profit at our expense.”

Pearson says he reached out to Mayor Harris several times and has not received a response.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.