Van Drew, Mullock clash over affordability, immigration and data centers in congressional debate
During a congressional debate in New Jersey’s 2nd District, Democratic challenger Zach Mullock criticized Rep. Jeff Van Drew over safeguards for artificial intelligence and data center development. Mullock cited a data center project in Vineland and raised concerns about environmental and economic impacts, while Van Drew defended bipartisan legislation intended to prevent data centers from increasing electricity costs for other consumers.
During an Oct. 22 congressional debate at Stockton University’s Galloway campus, Democratic challenger Zach Mullock and Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew clashed over energy policy, government accountability and data center development. Mullock said Van Drew had not supported sufficient safeguards for artificial intelligence and data centers and pointed to a project in Vineland as a concern for residents.
Mullock also alleged that Van Drew received money from a data center developer, which Van Drew denied. Van Drew said the U.S. House had approved bipartisan legislation designed to prevent data centers from shifting higher electricity costs onto other consumers. The debate did not involve a specific permitting decision or other government action on the Vineland project.