More Than 100 New Jersey Towns Have Now Banned Data Centers
At least 110 New Jersey municipalities have adopted bans on data centers, according to the Climate Revolution Action Network. The bans reflect concerns about rising electricity bills, air and noise pollution, and other environmental impacts, while advocacy groups are urging the state to impose a three-year moratorium.
At least 110 New Jersey municipalities have banned data centers since the beginning of the year, according to a tally from the Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN). The local prohibitions span cities and rural communities, including East Orange, Jersey City, Stafford and Upper Pittsgrove, and now cover more than 2.3 million residents.
CRAN Executive Director Ben Dziobek said residents are opposing data centers because of higher electricity costs, pollution and nighttime noise. CRAN, the Pinelands Alliance, Food & Water Watch and Sustain South Jersey are also pressing New Jersey officials and the governor to adopt a statewide three-year moratorium while the state develops safeguards for energy, air quality and noise impacts.