New Jersey Enacts Data Center Reporting Law Amidst Local Bans and Approvals
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed a law requiring data centers to report water and energy usage, aiming for accountability. This comes as multiple towns in the state have banned or taken action against data center developments, though Kenilworth's planning board approved one. The mayor of Jackson also reported receiving threatening messages amidst local opposition.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has signed a new law mandating that data centers submit reports on their water and energy consumption, an initiative she champions as a step towards greater accountability for the industry. This statewide regulation emerges amidst a contentious climate surrounding data center development across New Jersey.
Local municipalities have shown mixed reactions to data center proposals. While the planning board in Kenilworth gave unanimous approval to a data center project, numerous other towns, including Jackson, Stafford, North Brunswick, and East Brunswick, have enacted bans or taken other actions to prevent data center construction. Reportedly, nearly 40 additional municipalities have also voiced their opposition to such developments.
The issue has become particularly heated in Jackson, where Mayor Jennifer Kuhn disclosed receiving threatening voicemails on both her personal and official lines. She has since contacted the police regarding the threats. Her mayoral opponent, Elliott Shem-Tov, has denied any involvement from his supporters. The article also briefly mentions a separate $20 billion settlement Meta agreed to pay, with New Jersey receiving a portion, for claims related to social media addiction among children, likening it to past tobacco settlements.