New Jersey fines data center $1.1 million over 62 gas generators
The state said DataOne ran the generators without permits at its Vineland site, after drone footage from a Guardian and Floodlight investigation showed 45 running.
New Jersey has ordered DataOne to pay a $1.1 million fine for installing and running gas generators at its Vineland data center without permits, Ars Technica reported on Thursday. The state's environment department called it the largest enforcement action against a data center in New Jersey.
The action followed an August investigation by The Guardian and Floodlight News, which used thermal drone footage to show 45 of the 62 generators running, according to Ars Technica. None carried the permits the state requires above 37 kilowatts, and the units run at 1,982 kilowatts.
Ed Potosnak, the state's environment commissioner, said data centers would not be "constructed or operated with impunity in this state". DataOne has 45 days to apply for permits or stop, and may keep the engines running while it applies.
A DataOne spokesperson told the New York Times the company would apply for the air permits and disagreed with the fine, according to Ars Technica. The spokesperson said the site is moving to low-emission fuel cells.
Nichole Gardner, a co-chair of the local group Sustain SJ, told Ars Technica the fine was "insufficient, both in dollar amount and enforcement". Residents first raised the generators at a town hall in February, and state inspectors visited the site in July. Ars Technica said the center serves Microsoft AI tools.