New Jersey has issued a $1.07 million fine against a Vineland data center for violating the Air Pollution Control Act, the largest enforcement action against a data center in state history, Governor Mikie Sherrill said Tuesday.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued the Administrative Order and Notice of Civil Administrative Penalty Assessment against Data One following a July 29 inspection of the Vineland facility. During that inspection, the DEP observed 62 large natural-gas generators that were installed and operating without required DEP permits.
"Today, we are taking action against Data One in Vineland for violating New Jersey pollution law with a $1.07 million fine, the largest in state history," Sherrill said. "I said from the beginning that we are going to hold data centers accountable, period."
Sherrill pointed to her administration's data center plan, saying it is designed to ensure the industry "works for us, on our terms - not theirs." She said data centers will pay their fair share for energy, be accountable for their water and energy use, protect the environment, create good-paying union jobs, and invest in communities.
"New Jerseyans have my firm commitment, and today's action is an example," she said.