Vineland data center fined more than $1 million for operating natural gas generators without a permit
New Jersey environmental regulators have fined DataOne over $1 million for operating 62 natural gas generators without a permit at its Vineland data center. The facility, being developed for Nebius Group to support Microsoft's AI infrastructure, was found to be in violation during a July inspection. This is the largest fine of its kind in New Jersey, while local residents continue to express concerns about noise and air pollution from the project.
Environmental regulators in New Jersey have levied a fine exceeding $1 million against DataOne, the company constructing a data center in Vineland. The fine was issued for operating 62 natural gas-powered generators without the required permits.
The 300-megawatt data center, which is being developed by DataOne for the Nebius Group as part of a $17 billion deal with Microsoft to support artificial intelligence infrastructure, had already received initial phase approvals and is under construction. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) stated that DataOne had neither a permit for the power generators nor had they submitted an application for one.
DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak emphasized the severity of the action, stating it is the largest ever taken against a data center in New Jersey and possibly nationwide. He indicated that Governor Mikie Sherrill's administration is committed to ensuring corporate responsibility and establishing regulatory safeguards to protect communities and the environment. The unpermitted power-generating equipment was observed during a DEP site inspection on July 29, having not been present during a previous inspection in December 2025. Local residents have also voiced opposition to the data center, citing concerns over noise and air pollution.