Justice Department seeks to dismiss air pollution lawsuit against xAI data center
The Justice Department is seeking to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit filed by the NAACP against Elon Musk's xAI, which alleges the company is illegally operating natural gas turbines for its AI data center in Mississippi without proper permits, causing air pollution and health risks. The department argues the data center is critical for the economy and national security, while the NAACP asserts the action protects wealthy tech companies over public health. The state of Mississippi maintains no federal permit was required.
The Justice Department is moving to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit filed by the NAACP against Elon Musk's xAI, arguing that the AI data center in Mississippi and its associated power plant are critical for the U.S. economy and military. The lawsuit alleges that xAI's subsidiary is illegally operating dozens of natural gas turbines without proper permits, violating the federal Clean Air Act, and posing health risks to communities in North Mississippi and nearby Memphis.
In a motion filed late Monday, the Justice Department sought to intervene and dismiss the case, stating that the state of Mississippi, not the federal government, is responsible for permits and determined none were required. This action aligns with the Trump administration's focus on promoting AI as a national and economic security priority and its efforts to reduce environmental regulations on businesses.
Laura Thoms, director of enforcement for Earthjustice, which represents the NAACP, criticized the Justice Department's intervention, calling it a "desperate attempt to protect wealthy tech companies from obeying the laws meant to protect people from pollution." Abre’ Conner, the NAACP’s director of environmental and climate justice, emphasized that the Clean Air Act is designed to hold polluters accountable.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, has supported xAI, stating the company's self-generating power facility prevents rate increases for residents and represents the largest private investment in the state's history. SpaceX, xAI's parent company, has previously stated it is in full compliance with environmental laws.