New Jersey Considers Moratorium, Regulations on AI Data Centers Amid Local Opposition
New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill to implement a six-month moratorium on approvals for AI data center facilities and establish a commission to study their impact. Concurrently, towns like Linden are exploring bans on these centers, while Governor Mikie Sherrill is enforcing new regulations requiring data centers to report energy and water usage and invest in their communities.
New Jersey is considering significant legislative action regarding the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence data center industry, with a new bill introduced to delay facility approvals for six months. The proposed legislation, introduced by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, also seeks to establish a 12-person commission. This commission would be tasked with conducting impact studies and potentially formulating new regulations for the sector.
The push for new regulations comes amidst growing concerns and local opposition. Several towns across the state, including Linden, are actively deliberating bans on AI data centers, taking up the issue in city council meetings.
While Governor Mikie Sherrill is not halting the overall growth of the AI data center boom, her administration is implementing additional rules. These regulations mandate that data centers report their energy and water consumption and contribute investments back into their local communities. This multifaceted approach indicates a strong governmental and local response to the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure in the state.