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 announced the penalty against Data One in a statement released Tuesday. "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.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued the Administrative Order and Notice of Civil Administrative Penalty Assessment following a July 29 inspection of the Vineland facility. During that inspection, the DEP observed 62 large natural-gas generators installed and operating without the required DEP permits.
Sherrill said the action reflects her administration's commitment to holding the industry accountable. "I said from the beginning that we are going to hold data centers accountable, period," she said, citing the state's data center plan and its guardrails.
"Data centers will pay their fair share for energy, be accountable for their water and energy use, protect our environment, create good-paying union jobs, and invest in communities," Sherrill said. "New Jerseyans have my firm commitment, and today's action is an example."