Advocates Call for Statewide Data Center Ban After Thousands of Gallons of Diesel Fuel Spill Into the Hackensack River
Following a diesel fuel spill from an Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, climate advocates are renewing calls for a statewide moratorium on new data centers. The incident, which saw thousands of gallons of diesel leak into the Hackensack River, highlights concerns that data center pollution and grid strain extend beyond municipal borders, despite nearly 100 New Jersey municipalities having already banned data centers.
Advocates are calling for a statewide moratorium on new data centers in New Jersey following a diesel fuel spill from an Equinix data center in Secaucus. At least 5,500 gallons of No. 2 diesel fuel leaked into Anderson Creek, a tributary of the Hackensack River, prompting cleanup efforts and renewed environmental concerns.
Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN), stated that the spill demonstrates the lack of regulation in the data center industry and the inadequacy of a town-by-town approach to their environmental impacts. He cited how pollution and strain on the electricity grid, leading to higher bills, affect communities beyond individual municipal boundaries. CRAN is leading the push for Governor Sherrill and the Legislature to implement a statewide ban.
The incident follows a previous discovery last month where a DataOne data center in Vineland was found operating 45 unpermitted gas generators, contributing greenhouse gas emissions to neighboring communities. Despite close to 100 New Jersey municipalities having already banned data centers, advocates argue that a unified state approach is necessary to prevent widespread harm, as evidenced by the Hackensack River spill impacting areas beyond Secaucus, including Jersey City and Bayonne.