Judge allows NAACP lawsuit over xAI data center pollution to move forward
techcrunch ·
A federal judge has denied xAI's motion to dismiss an NAACP lawsuit alleging that the company operated gas turbines at its Colossus data center in Mississippi without obtaining required air permits. The Southern Environmental Law Center filed the suit on behalf of the NAACP, accusing xAI of violating the Clean Air Act by running over 35 combustion turbines without preconstruction or operating permits. xAI argued that the turbines were mobile sources exempt from permitting and claimed the plaintiffs lacked standing to sue. Judge Debra M. Brown ruled against these arguments, determining that the turbines do not qualify as mobile sources under state regulations and that the plaintiffs have statutory standing. The judge also rejected xAI's constitutional challenge, stating that citizen suits are brought on behalf of individuals seeking redress for harm rather than exercising executive power. This legal development occurs amidst growing public opposition to data centers, including recent moratoriums in New York and political implications for upcoming midterm elections. The NAACP hailed the decision as a significant victory in holding xAI accountable for environmental compliance.
techcrunch