Over 100 New Jersey Towns Have Banned Data Centers, Affecting 2.3 Million Residents
More than 100 New Jersey municipalities have banned data centers, affecting approximately 2.3 million residents. Supporters say the facilities are needed for artificial intelligence growth, while critics cite high electricity and water use, rising utility costs, and stress on local power grids.
More than 100 New Jersey towns have reportedly adopted bans on data center development, placing about 2.3 million residents—nearly one-quarter of the state’s population—in communities with such restrictions. The municipalities span the state and include towns in counties including Hunterdon, Warren, Burlington, Monmouth, Hudson and Essex.
The article frames the bans as part of a broader dispute over data center growth. Supporters argue the facilities are necessary to meet demand from artificial intelligence and other digital services, while critics contend that their power and water consumption could increase utility costs and strain local infrastructure. The report does not identify a specific developer or data center project.