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Commission urges public hearing on XAI's proposed turbines after weeks of community protest
Summary
Following weeks of community organizing and dozens of in-person comments about asthma and cancer burdens in South Memphis, the Shelby County Commission passed a resolution asking the county health department and elected officials to hold a public hearing before approval or denial of air permits for XAI's proposed methane turbines. Dr. Michelle Taylor said the health department will host a federally required 30-day comment period and that a permit meeting legal standards does not mean a project is healthy.
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners voted to urge a public hearing and a formal comment process on air permits submitted by CTC Property LLC, an affiliate of XAI, for up to 15 methane-fired turbines in South Memphis.
The resolution (Item 22) passed after a sustained public turnout and months of community pressure. ‘‘We need a transparent process and science at the table,’’ said Keyshawn Pearson, president of Memphis Community Against Pollution, during a long public-comment period that drew residents, local health professionals and elected leaders. Residents repeatedly pointed to long-term health concerns in ZIP code 38109, including elevated asthma and cancer rates.
Shelby County Health Director Dr. Michelle Taylor told the commission the health department will host a public hearing within the federally required public-comment window for the Clean Air Act permit application. She said the department had twice asked the EPA for a community health assessment; the EPA declined to do that work. Dr. Taylor cautioned that an air permit means the application meets legal requirements, not that the project is healthy: "An air permit as it's issued through the Clean Air Act does not mean that a project is healthy or a benefit to the public's interest. It only means that that air permit application meets the legal requirements to pollute the environment." (Dr. Michelle Taylor)
Supporters of the resolution framed the vote as a demand for public participation and stronger local review. Opponents argued that permitting is a technical, state-led process; nevertheless, the commission's nonbinding resolution asks the Shelby County Health Department and local, state and federal elected officials to hold a public hearing and to coordinate with the city council.
The resolution passed 8-3 with one abstention. Commissioners and community organizers said they would press the health department for a hearing date that accommodates broad public participation and asked the department about options to extend or align the comment period with in-person meetings. Dr. Taylor said staff would consult counsel and provide scheduling details to the commission and public.
Next steps: the health department will publish information on how to access the 90-page permit application, the public-comment portal and a phone line for residents without internet access. The hearing date is to be scheduled during the 30-day comment period; commissioners said they will continue to press for opportunities to add technical experts and to pursue local ordinance reforms if state law allows.
