The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is refuting Memphis Light, Gas and Water’s (MLGW) claims, renouncing responsibility for the xAI project.
“Regardless of the MLGW administration’s claims, MLGW’s own charter and policy manual appear to give the MLGW board a role in deciding the terms on which the utility will add or improve infrastructure,” the NAACP said in a statement.
MLGW president and CEO Doug McGowen sent a letter on June 2nd in response to one sent by the NAACP asking the utility service provider and the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) to stop xAI operations.
McGowen acknowledged the group’s concern, yet called their claims “baseless and inflammatory,” saying they were “unnecessary and frankly beneath [the] organization.”
“The baseless claims against MLGW in your letter reflect a complete lack of understanding of MLGW processes and the laws implicated,” McGowen said in the letter. “Although you are writing us from Baltimore, Maryland, there has been such substantial reporting on this issue that even a modicum of due diligence would reflect that MLGW has been extremely communicative in sharing information with the public about its role, our processes, and the status of the provision of utilities for xAI.”
McGowen said they have no role in monitoring or regulating xAI’s gas turbines and refuted the NAACP’s claims that they “allow customers to operate without constraints or with a lackadaisical approach.”
“MLGW does not control the use of natural gas turbines,” McGowen said. “That responsibility lies with other agencies such as the Shelby County Health Department, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.”
The NAACP cited MLGW’s charter and policy manual which they said gives the board the authority in deciding how MLGW “will add or improve infrastructure.” Section 683 allows commissioners to govern the distribution of the utilities “as they deem proper in the operation of said light, gas, and water division.”
MLGW’s Service Policy 1.6 also states that the board has the right to “refuse to make or to postpone making any extensions, additions, or improvements to the electric, gas, or water system.” It also said that the board of commissioners make the final decision in these cases.
McGowen’s letter said the company has been transparent about their role in xAI’s operations and they’ve made “great efforts to educate the public.” They referenced a public conversation they co-facilitated with the Memphis City Council in August 2024 and a webpage that defines their role with xAI.
Despite this, the NAACP still criticized MLGW’s role in providing public updates.
“We’re not aware of the board deliberating publicly to make this important decision to add or improve infrastructure,” the NAACP said in a statement.