Vineland Data Center Fined $1 Million Over Unpermitted Generators

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced on Tuesday that it has fined Vineland's DataOne data center $1.07 million for violations of the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act for installing and operating 62 large natural-gas power generators without the required DEP permits.

The fine stems from a July 29 site inspection of the facility, during which the power generators were observed.

“This enforcement action – by far the largest ever taken against a data center in New Jersey and possibly one of the largest such actions in the nation – sends a clear message that these facilities will not be constructed or operated with impunity in this state,” said DEP Commissioner Ed Potosnak.

“The Sherrill administration demands accountability and corporate responsibility in the construction and operation of data centers and is committed to putting in place legal and regulatory guardrails that protect ratepayers, communities and the environment.”

 

What The DEP Says DataOne Did Wrong

Natural gas generators emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other combustion-related pollutants.

The state says DataOne violated the Air Pollution Control Act by installing and operating 62 1,982-kilowatt stationary reciprocating generators, which are known as engines, without first obtaining a preconstruction permit and valid operating certificate.

These approvals are required for any generator with 37-kw capacity or higher.

Opponents say each of the tractor-trailer-sized generators being used at DataOne emits substantial amounts of health-harming air pollution linked to asthma, heart attacks, and premature death.

DataOne has been ordered to immediately apply for and obtain the required permits or cease operations.

How Big is DataOne?

DataOne, one of the largest planned data centers on the East Coast, has stirred controversy since it broke ground in early 2025 due to persistent noise complaints, unpermitted construction, and a contentious zoning process.

Located roughly a mile from two schools, the plant has plans for ongoing construction continuing this year, with planned expansions stretching toward 2029.

DataOne is slated to provide AI computing power to Microsoft as part of a $17-billion deal with Nebius, a Dutch AI infrastructure giant.

Public Sentiment Concerning Data Centers is Largely Negative

Data centers require immense amounts of power to run servers and cool advanced AI chips. Residents in towns across the country are increasingly worried this heavy demand will overload local electrical grids, increase the risk of brownouts, and cause utility rates to spike.

Public sentiment concerning data centers is largely negative, with roughly 7 in 10 Americans opposing new construction in their community, according to Gallup.

On August 27, Governor Sherrill signed legislation to increase transparency regarding the use of energy and water by data centers.