MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Memphians who have questions about Elon Musk's xAI supercomputer may soon be able to have their voice heard. A Shelby County Commission committee on Wednesday approved a resolution that would urge the county health department to hold a public meeting in the next three to four mo nths. The resolution would allow members of the public to question the health department before the permit is either approved or denied. The item would need full council approval to move forward. New xAI data center generates concern over environmental impact This comes as a permit was just filed that would bring 15 gas turbines to power the southwest Memphis facility. Commissioners heard from the health department's director Dr. Michelle Taylor, who shared pollution data for the area. Commissioners also heard from those who live in the area, even a local councilwoman, who say the turbines would bring in even more pollution to their air. "The scent that's coming is absolutely horrendous. I am now back in an asthma state having to have an inhaler again," said Councilwoman Yolanda Cooper-Sutton. The Southern Environmental Law Center says the turbines will add to air pollution in the surrounding community. xAI purchases 1 million-square-foot property in Memphis But Ted Townsend with the Greater Memphis Chamber, says the gas turbines are cleaner than the old technology previously used to produce energy. "It actually reduces emissions 80 to 95 percent," Townsend said. "It's a much cleaner way of producing this versus the coal plant that we used to have, the old Allen Steam Plant." A date for the public hearing, if it is approved, has not been set. ...read more read less