Linden moves to prohibit AI data centers throughout the city
A proposed ordinance would bar the facilities in all zoning districts as officials cite concerns about energy and water use, pollution and noise.
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Linden officials are moving to prohibit AI data centers throughout the city.
Mayor Derek Armstead and the City Council announced Monday that an ordinance prohibiting AI data centers in all zoning districts will be introduced Tuesday. Officials cited concerns about electricity and water use, pollution, noise and greenhouse gas emissions in explaining the proposal.
"After a comprehensive review of the potential environmental, infrastructure, and quality-of-life impacts, we concluded that this type of development is not right for our city," Armstead said.
The proposal comes as electricity consumption by data centers is projected to increase nationwide. The city cited U.S. Department of Energy figures showing data centers accounted for 4.4% of U.S. electricity use in 2023, with that share projected to rise to between 6.7% and 12% by 2028.
City officials acknowledged that the national figures do not predict the impact of any particular data center in Linden but said they illustrate the broader infrastructure and environmental demands associated with the industry's growth.
