The Trump administration has stepped in to support xAI Corp., founded by Elon Musk, in a legal battle against a Clean Air Act lawsuit filed by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The lawsuit, initiated in April, accuses xAI and its subsidiary, MZX Tech, of operating 27 gas turbines without the necessary air permits at a site in Southaven, Mississippi.
By mid-May, the number of unpermitted turbines had reportedly increased to 57, with plans for an additional two installations, according to a filing from the NAACP on June 12. The legal action highlights concerns regarding the environmental impact of these gas turbines, which are integral to powering xAI’s Colossus 2 data center, a facility that supports military operations with its Grok systems.
The NAACP's lawsuit not only raises issues of regulatory compliance but also addresses significant health risks and noise complaints associated with the operation of these turbines. As the situation unfolds, the implications for both xAI and environmental law enforcement remain critical to monitor.
