\u201cTo our understanding, sound barriers can reduce certain frequencies under controlled conditions, but turbine noise involves low-frequency sounds and tonal components that often reach beyond barriers,\u201d the coalition\u2019s spokesperson said. \u201cThe most effective method for reducing industrial noise exposure is typically distance from residential areas, which is not a mitigation option in this scenario given the facility\u2019s proximity to homes.\u201d<\/p>\n
The coalition urged xAI to be transparent and to share data backing mitigation claims if it wants the community to believe that the second sound barrier will make any difference.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout transparent modeling, validated field measurements, and independent verification, it is difficult to assess whether the barrier will meaningfully address the ongoing nuisance experienced by nearby residents,\u201d the coalition\u2019s spokesperson said. \u201cMitigation claims are only meaningful if they are supported by transparent data.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mayor labels protesters Musk haters<\/p>\n
At least one city official, Mayor Darren Musselwhite, has suggested that community backlash is \u201cpolitical.\u201d Although he acknowledged that the noise was a \u201clegitimate concern,\u201d he also claimed on Facebook that some people protesting xAI\u2019s facility were simply Elon Musk haters, NBC News reported.<\/p>\n
\u201cSouthaven is now under attack by all who choose to oppose Elon Musk because of his high-profile political stances,\u201d Musselwhite wrote.<\/p>\n
However, residents told NBC News that \u201ctheir concerns have nothing to do with politics.\u201d One person interviewed even praised Musk\u2019s work with the Department of Government Efficiency<\/a>.<\/p>\n Instead, they\u2019re worried that local officials seeing dollar signs have potentially let xAI exploit loopholes to pollute communities without any warning. The community flyer from the Safe and Sound Coalition criticized what they viewed as shady behavior from local officials:<\/p>\n \u201cThis project was started behind our backs, with zero community input. Local officials have repeatedly downplayed concerns, spun the facts, and misled residents about the true impacts and the deals made with xAI. Many people only found out after the turbines were up and running.\u201d<\/p>\n