New Jersey legislators, advocates rally against data center energy costs
Legislators and advocates in New Jersey are organizing a rally and lobby day to address rising energy costs, which they attribute in part to data centers. They are calling on the state Legislature to take immediate action to lower these costs and require data center developers to invest in the energy grid and clean energy. The event aims to protect working families from higher electricity rates.
New Jersey LCV, alongside community advocates and state legislators, including Senate Environment Committee Chairman Bob Smith (D-Middlesex), is organizing a rally and lobby day at the Executive Statehouse in Trenton. The coalition, which includes the New Jersey Progressive Equitable Energy Coalition (NJPEEC) and New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP), aims to pressure the Legislature to address rising energy costs in the state.
The groups assert that data centers, as massive, high-load energy users, are significantly contributing to increased electricity prices, impacting working families already struggling with high grocery costs. They demand that Trenton hold data center developers accountable by requiring critical investments in the energy grid and clean energy infrastructure to secure a sustainable future for residents.
Following the outdoor rally, advocates and partners plan to meet directly with legislators inside the Statehouse. Their objective is to push for the passage of essential legislation designed to protect working families and local businesses from the burden of escalating energy expenses.