Outcry over Vineland AI data center continues as facility seeks LNG approval

About 100 residents in Vineland, New Jersey, convened for a rally on Saturday, expressing strong opposition to a 350-megawatt AI data center currently under construction in their community. The project, developed by DataOne for Nebius Group as part of a significant $17 billion deal with Microsoft, has drawn criticism for its environmental and economic implications. The demonstration was organized by Bayly Winder, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, who advocated for a national moratorium on new data center construction. Residents, including Zac Landicini and Michael Gentile, voiced concerns about potential health impacts from air emissions, increased water usage, and decreased property values, as well as construction noise. DataOne plans for the facility to generate 85% of its own energy from natural gas and is seeking approval for an on-site liquified natural gas (LNG) tank. Despite local government support and a five-year tax exemption for DataOne, the project faces mounting public disapproval. DataOne has pledged to create over 200 permanent jobs and become a major taxpayer, also promising community benefits like weekly meals from a 'giga-farm' utilizing waste heat and CO2. However, opponents argue these benefits do not outweigh the potential negative impacts on the Vineland community.