New Jersey urged to enact moratorium on AI data centers
New Jersey is urged to enact a statewide moratorium on AI data centers due to concerns about their massive consumption of water and electricity, similar to action taken by New York's governor and several New Jersey towns. The author argues that data centers pose significant risks to power reliability, water supplies, noise, property values, and quality of life for New Jersey residents.
An opinion piece from New Jersey 101.5 radio host Bill Spadea argues that New Jersey must immediately enact a statewide moratorium on new AI data centers, citing concerns over their substantial consumption of electricity and water resources. Spadea references New York Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to impose a statewide moratorium in her state to study the impacts of these facilities, urging New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to follow suit. The author points out that many towns nationwide, including several in New Jersey such as Warren Township, Asbury Park, Red Bank, Sayreville, Monroe, Andover, East Greenwich, and Pemberton, have already passed local bans or moratoriums on data centers.
The article highlights that a single large data center can use up to 5 million gallons of water daily and demand hundreds of megawatts of electricity, placing immense strain on local resources and utility infrastructure. Concerns about the impact on power reliability, water supplies, noise levels, property values, and overall quality of life are emphasized. Spadea suggests that the issue could become a key topic for Republicans in the 2027 legislative midterms, calling for united GOP action to pressure Governor Sherrill and protect New Jersey's environment and residents from the unchecked expansion of "Big Tech" data centers.