politics
Trump administration tries to block Clean Air Act lawsuit over xAI's gas turbines
NAACP lawsuit says xAI uses gas turbines without permits for Grok data center.
TL;DR
- The Trump administration is attempting to dismiss a Clean Air Act lawsuit against xAI Corp. filed by the NAACP.
- The NAACP alleges xAI is operating 57 unpermitted gas turbines for its Grok data center in Mississippi.
- The US government claims the Grok data center and its power source are critical for national security and military operations, citing its use in Operation Epic Fury.
- The Southern Environmental Law Center, representing the NAACP, accuses the Justice Department of allowing xAI to break the law due to government backing.
- Mississippi regulators have previously determined that temporary gas turbines used by xAI are considered 'mobile sources' not subject to Clean Air Act permitting.
- The NAACP seeks a permanent injunction, civil penalties, and legal cost reimbursement, asserting the turbines emit excessive pollution and harm frontline communities.