Cherry Hill Mayor seeks to ban data centers in township
Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleischer announced his intention to ban data centers in the township due to concerns over intensive power and water consumption. While no data centers are currently proposed in Cherry Hill, the mayor stated that no such facilities would be built during his tenure. This comes as other municipalities, like East Greenwich, are also acting on data center bans.
Cherry Hill Mayor David Fleischer has declared that data centers will not be permitted in the township during his time in office, citing growing public concern over their intensive power and water consumption. Speaking at a recent township council meeting, Mayor Fleischer emphasized his firm stance, stating, "I'll go as far as to say that there won't be a data center built in Cherry Hill as long as I'm mayor." Officials are currently developing a formal proposal for a ban.
This move by Cherry Hill follows a national trend of increasing opposition to data centers, particularly those near residential areas. A recent Gallup survey indicated that 70% of Americans oppose building data centers for AI purposes. While no data centers are currently proposed for Cherry Hill, neighboring East Greenwich Township recently approved its own ban.
Separately, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has proposed a statewide framework requiring data centers to financially contribute to the communities where they are located, particularly regarding electricity costs.