EPA Tightens Permitting Rules for Grok-Powering Gas Turbines
Environmental groups won a ruling that clarifies temporary gas-turbine generators used by xAI’s Grok data centers must still comply with clean-air permits. The EPA update closes a local loophole that allowed turbines to operate without federal permits by being labeled as “non-road” or temporary, meaning federal oversight now governs the permitting process for Grok-powered facilities in Tennessee. SELC and allied groups argue this closes a loophole that could worsen air pollution, while xAI has moved to obtain permits; the NAACP emphasizes swift enforcement to protect nearby communities.
