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As an air pollution guy this is straight up false. EPA called them "stationary sources" and you cannot operate one without a permit. It couldn't be more simple

They had previously been authorized under a dubious interpretation of a "non road engine" carveout, but EPA closed the door. The Clean Air Act can get extremely complicated in the weeds, but no construction until permit is the foundation of the rule

like, y'all, I worked for some companies that are very unpopular for good reason. I did these permits. No one would ever attempt this, the State of Texas will break your shins if you try it. Musk has just truly broken new grounds in this domain, its mind boggling, and it started way pre-Trump too

the Biden EPA knew this was happening and didn't do anything. FAA bent over backwards to help SpaceX do the same stuff in Texas (Thanks Pete Buttigieg!) and California did the same for years and years. It's wild

people laugh at Mississippi or whatever but I have done work in that state too. MDEQ don't write that kind of exculpatory shit for anyone! They are generally competent, even now. It's really stunning

I'm not saying laws aren't bent/broken/manipulated all the time. They are, it's difficult and maddening. But the laws are generally broken on the margin, it's a push-pull. Operating without a permit, knowingly, is a Felony Crime. It's like shooting a guy on 5th Ave over and over again