NAACP sues xAI over toxic data center pollution in Mississippi

The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against xAI over pollution from its data centres in Mississippi. Residents have protested the use of methane-powered generators, which the civil rights group claims emit harmful pollutants. The case has now drawn intervention from the US Department of Justice (DOJ). xAI built its first data centre in a low-income area of Memphis. It later expanded into northern Mississippi, where its facilities now house Elon Musk’s AI model, Grok. These centres require vast amounts of electricity, leading the company to rely on portable methane-powered generators.

The NAACP argues that xAI’s Southaven facility could release over 5,000 tons of nitrogen oxides annually, along with other pollutants. These emissions are tied to higher rates of asthma, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and cancer in nearby communities. In April, the organisation took legal action, stating that the Clean Air Act allows affected communities to hold polluters accountable.

On 16 June, the DOJ stepped in, urging the court to dismiss the lawsuit. It claimed Grok’s continued operation is vital to national security, citing its role in military actions against Iran. The NAACP responded that the DOJ cannot block environmental lawsuits and that all companies must comply with environmental laws. The legal battle centres on xAI’s pollution and its impact on local health. The DOJ’s involvement adds a layer of complexity, tying the case to broader national security concerns. The outcome will determine whether the lawsuit proceeds or is dismissed on grounds of military necessity.