Judge rejects Trump bid to dismiss SpaceXAI pollution lawsuit

Key facts

• Judge ruled EPA cannot unilaterally dismiss citizen suits.
• SpaceXAI faces lawsuit over alleged pollution from unpermitted turbines.
• NAACP seeks injunction and penalties for Clean Air Act violations.

A federal judge has rejected a bid by President Donald Trump to dismiss a lawsuit against Elon Musk's SpaceXAI concerning alleged pollution from data center operations. The NAACP sued SpaceXAI, alleging that over 30 methane gas turbines at its Memphis facility were operating without environmental permits, potentially leading to increased pollution in nearby Black communities. The lawsuit sought an injunction and daily penalties for violations.

Trump's administration attempted to intervene, arguing that the EPA had the authority to unilaterally dismiss any Clean Air Act lawsuits deemed not to serve the public interest, particularly those hindering the rapid development of AI data centers. However, US District Judge Debra Brown ruled that the Clean Air Act does not grant the EPA Administrator the power to dismiss citizen suits at will. The judge noted that Congress had considered, but ultimately rejected, an amendment that would have allowed such EPA intervention.

Earthjustice, an environmental group supporting the NAACP, criticized Trump's argument as an attempt to shield Musk's company from liability and deny communities the right to protection against illegal pollution. The ruling is seen as a significant win for environmental advocates concerned about the impact of AI industry growth on local communities.