Asbury Park Calls For Statewide Freeze On Data Center Construction
Asbury Park City Council unanimously adopted a resolution calling for a statewide moratorium on new data centers and enacting a temporary pause on local applications in Asbury Park. The city cited concerns over the impact on the electrical grid, water resources, and potential pollution. This action reflects growing opposition in New Jersey, with other towns also taking stands against data center construction.
Asbury Park City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on June 10, urging Gov. Mikie Sherrill to implement a statewide moratorium on new data center facilities across New Jersey. The resolution simultaneously enacted a temporary pause on all pending or future data center applications and site plans specifically within Asbury Park.
City officials cited significant concerns that large-scale data center construction places undue stress on regional electrical grids and water resources. Additionally, they highlighted potential issues such as air and noise pollution originating from backup generators. Mayor John Moor underscored the broader implications, stating that the rapid pace of data center approvals could outpace the ability of towns to mitigate their various impacts.
New Jersey, already home to numerous data centers, is experiencing increasing local resistance, with several municipalities taking similar stands. For instance, a rally was recently held in Kenilworth prior to its Borough Council meeting, where residents voiced opposition to a 400,000-square-foot data center under construction and expressed fears of further approvals.
Last month, Governor Sherrill outlined a four-part plan that would require data centers to report their electricity and water usage, create jobs, and financially cover the resources they consume.