DOJ moved to dismiss NAACP suit over xAI turbines in Memphis
Why it matters: The filing argues the case could disrupt AI infrastructure tied to U.S. military operations and national security.
The Justice Department asked a federal court in Mississippi to throw out the NAACP’s Clean Air Act lawsuit against SpaceX over methane gas-burning turbines used at xAI data centers in Memphis, Tennessee. The NAACP sued in April, arguing xAI ran dozens of turbines without required permits or pollution controls and sought an injunction to stop their use while the case proceeds. In a June 15 filing, DOJ lawyers argued the suit threatens U.S. national, economic and energy security because it targets power for artificial-intelligence systems used in military operations. The filing cited Defense Department AI lead Cameron Stanley, who said Grok’s continued availability is “a matter of paramount national security.”