The Trump administration has asked a federal court to throw out a Clean Air Act lawsuit against Elon Musk’s xAI over unpermitted gas turbines powering its data center in Mississippi.
The Department of Justice filed papers yesterday urging dismissal of the case brought by the NAACP. Officials argued that the turbines, which supply power to xAI’s Colossus data center running Grok systems, are exempt from permitting as mobile sources under state determinations.
The NAACP filed suit in April, claiming xAI operated up to 57 turbines without required air permits in Southaven. The group seeks an injunction, daily penalties of up to $124,426, and other relief, citing health risks to nearby communities.
Administration lawyers said continued operation supports national security because Grok has aided US military targeting. The Southern Environmental Law Center, representing the NAACP, countered that the government cannot override citizen enforcement rights under the Clean Air Act.
