Sherrill administration hits Vineland data center with record $1.07 million fine
The New Jersey Governor's administration has fined DataOne, a data center in Vineland, $1.07 million for operating 62 natural-gas generators without required state permits. This is the largest environmental enforcement action against a data center in New Jersey's history. The state is also implementing new regulations concerning data centers' energy and water use.
The administration of New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has issued a record $1.07 million fine against DataOne, a data center facility in Vineland, Cumberland County. The penalty was imposed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) after inspectors discovered 62 large natural-gas generators operating without the necessary state permits under the Air Pollution Control Act. This marks the largest enforcement action ever taken against a data center in New Jersey.
Governor Sherrill emphasized her commitment to holding data centers accountable, stating that the state would not tolerate facilities operating with impunity. DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak reinforced this message, highlighting the administration's resolve to implement regulatory safeguards protecting communities, ratepayers, and the environment. DataOne is developing the facility for Nebius, which plans to operate servers there by 2027.
The enforcement action follows ongoing scrutiny of the Vineland project due to its size, energy demands, and potential environmental impacts. Residents and environmental groups have expressed concerns regarding air pollution, noise, and the strain on New Jersey's electric grid and water supplies caused by such facilities. The state is actively moving to impose new regulations requiring disclosure of energy and water usage and addressing energy costs for the rapidly expanding data center industry.