Warren becomes latest town in N.J. to ban data centers

Warren Township, located in Somerset County, New Jersey, has enacted a ban on data centers operating within its municipal borders. The Township Committee's June 18 vote followed preliminary approval in May of an ordinance prohibiting data centers as a permitted use in all zoning districts. Committeeman Daniel Croson, who introduced the ordinance, stated the decision was to protect residents from potential strains on the energy grid and water supply, and to preserve the township's character.

While no data center applications currently exist for Warren, the preemptive ordinance aims to safeguard natural resources and infrastructure. Critics, including the Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN), have campaigned against data centers, citing environmental concerns and quality of life impacts such as noise and energy consumption. CRAN's executive director, Ben Dzobiek, emphasized that the issue is non-partisan and called for a statewide moratorium on large-scale data center development.

Warren's action is part of a growing trend in New Jersey, with more than a dozen municipalities, including Red Bank Borough and Millville, having blocked data centers. The Millville Commissioners' ban in May notably stopped a proposed 2.6 million square-foot facility. Governor Mikie Sherrill has also responded to rising concerns by announcing a statewide plan to regulate data centers, focusing on energy and water transparency, community benefits, and fair wage requirements. A recent Stockton University poll indicated significant public concern over AI data center growth, with 56% of New Jersey voters supporting local bans.