Linden plans AI data center ban as New Jersey municipalities take action
Linden, New Jersey, is preparing to introduce an ordinance that would prohibit artificial-intelligence data centers in all zoning districts. This decision follows a comprehensive review of potential environmental, infrastructure, and quality-of-life impacts. The move aligns with a growing trend of New Jersey municipalities taking action against data center development due to high resource demands.
Linden, New Jersey, is set to introduce an ordinance that would ban artificial-intelligence (AI) data centers across all zoning districts within the city. Mayor Derek Armstead and the City Council are scheduled to present the ordinance at their September 15 meeting.
This decision comes after a thorough review of the potential environmental, infrastructural, and quality-of-life impacts associated with such developments. Mayor Armstead stated that the city concluded this type of development is "not right for our city," a sentiment echoed by Council President Michele Yamakaitis, who emphasized the Council's careful investigation into the issue. Sixth Ward Councilman Eloy Javier Delgado linked the ban to protecting Linden's environment and public safety from climate change.
Linden's action reflects a broader trend in New Jersey, where at least 69 municipalities, including Jersey City, Bayonne, and Summit, have already banned data centers, citing concerns over their significant electricity and water demands, large footprints, and limited permanent employment. National data from the U.S. Department of Energy highlights the increasing energy consumption of data centers, projecting their share of the nation's electricity use to reach up to 12% by 2028.