DOJ aims to block suit over Musk data center pollution, citing national security

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doj national-security data-center pollution elon-musk xai lawsuit

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The U.S. Justice Department is attempting to block a lawsuit against Elon Musk's xAI for operating a power plant without permits, arguing that the data center's gas turbines are crucial for national security, including the war in Iran.

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Cached at: 06/17/26, 05:20 PM

# DOJ aims to block suit over Musk data center pollution, citing national security Source: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/06/16/justice-department-aims-block-lawsuit-against-xai-polluting-data-centers/](https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/06/16/justice-department-aims-block-lawsuit-against-xai-polluting-data-centers/) Democracy Dies in Darkness The Justice Department’s move to stop litigation in Mississippi comes after it defended Elon Musk’s firm in a different lawsuit\. June 16, 2026 at 7:28 p\.m\. EDTYesterday at 7:28 p\.m\. EDT Gas turbines at an xAI data center in Memphis\. \(Brandon Dill/For The Washington Post\) ![](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://author-service-images-prod-us-east-1.publishing.aws.arc.pub/wapo/KQJDLGRZ7VGCBCW6LVOXQIVNIM.jpg&h=196&w=196) The Justice Department is seeking to quash a lawsuit against a power plant operating without permits that is run by Elon Musk’s AI company, arguing that its gas\-powered turbines are vital to national security interests, including the war in Iran\. --- ![](https://www.washingtonpost.com/dr/resources/images/generic-newsletter-signup.png) ![](https://www.washingtonpost.com/dr/resources/images/generic-newsletter-signup.png)

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