New Jersey Issues Record $1.07 Million Fine Against Vineland Data Center
New Jersey officials have issued a record $1.07 million fine against Data One, a data center in Vineland, for operating 62 natural-gas generators without required permits. Governor Mikie Sherrill stated this action underscores her administration's commitment to holding data centers accountable for their environmental and energy impacts.
New Jersey state officials have levied a record-setting $1.07 million fine against Data One, a data center located in Vineland. The penalty, deemed the largest enforcement action against a data center in the state's history by the Sherrill administration, was issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) following an inspection on July 29.
The DEP's investigation at Data One's Vineland facility revealed that 62 large natural-gas generators were installed and operating without the necessary state permits, a direct violation of New Jersey’s Air Pollution Control Act.
Governor Mikie Sherrill emphasized that this enforcement action signifies her administration's commitment to holding data centers accountable for their environmental and energy footprints. Governor Sherrill stated that the industry must operate on the state's terms, including paying fair energy costs, accounting for water and energy use, protecting the environment, and contributing to local communities. The DEP subsequently issued an Administrative Order and Notice of Civil Administrative Penalty Assessment to Data One.