USG senate adopts statements on Cornell case, data center construction in South Brunswick
Princeton's Undergraduate Student Government unanimously adopted a statement opposing a 341,000-square-foot data center under construction in South Brunswick. The students urged the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to deny the facility's air permit, citing potential pollution and health risks from its 20 diesel generators.
Princeton University's Undergraduate Student Government senate unanimously adopted a statement opposing a data center being built at the former Princeton Nurseries site in South Brunswick, New Jersey. The approximately 341,000-square-foot facility is expected to use 20 diesel generators for backup power, and the statement urged the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to reject its air permit over concerns about emissions and potential health effects in Princeton-area communities.
South Brunswick Township approved the project in May 2025, while the facility's operator has not been publicly identified. Princeton students were encouraged to sign a supporting form, making the USG action part of broader local opposition to the development. The article also notes wider national concerns about data centers' electricity use, water consumption and effects on local control.