I don’t care how much you love Grok 4, its power generation is abhorrent

The Hidden Environmental Cost of Powering Data Centers Near Communities

While many are enthusiastic about Grok 4’s capabilities, it’s important to recognize the environmental and health implications behind its power supply. Despite its impressive computational power, the sustainability of its energy source warrants critical examination.

Recently, reports surfaced detailing how a prominent tech company’s data center in a predominantly Black neighborhood has been supplied with extra power for training and operation. Due to the local power grid’s limitations, the company opted to bring in on-site methane gas generators to meet its increased energy demands.

Although methane burns cleaner than coal, it is not without its own environmental downsides. Combustion releases nitrogen oxides (NOx), pollutants detrimental to air quality and respiratory health. These emissions are problematic, especially considering the location—an area already burdened by industrial pollution and elevated asthma rates among residents.

Alarmingly, reports indicate that the company has been operating approximately 35 methane generators continuously. Despite recent permits for only 15 units, the full operational scope has persisted without proper authorization for months. Such practices raise serious concerns about regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.

This situation underscores a broader truth: powering high-demand data centers in close proximity to residential communities can have severe health repercussions. Beyond the carbon footprint, the localized air pollution from industrial-grade generators directly impacts people’s health—especially vulnerable populations like children.

As the digital world pushes for more powerful AI models, it’s imperative that we also prioritize environmentally responsible and equitable practices. The health of local communities and the sustainability of our planet should never be compromised under the guise of technological progress.