NJ hits Vineland data center with $1.07M penalty over 62 natural-gas generators
DEP says DataOne operated the generators without required permits. The company disputes the state’s determination but says it will apply for the permits.
New Jersey environmental regulators have assessed a $1.07 million penalty against a Vineland data center, alleging it installed and operated 62 large natural-gas generators without required permits.
The Department of Environmental Protection announced the penalty Tuesday against DataOne, saying the generators were observed during a July 29 inspection of the Cumberland County facility.
The DEP said the 62 stationary generators each have a capacity of 1,982 kilowatts. State regulations require generators with a capacity of 37 kilowatts or greater to obtain a preconstruction permit and operating certificate.
The DEP said DataOne violated the state's Air Pollution Control Act by installing and operating the generators without those approvals. The agency's order directs DataOne to immediately apply for and obtain the required permits or cease operations.
DataOne said in a statement that it disagrees with the state's determination concerning the temporary generators but will apply for the air permits and is communicating with the DEP about its findings.
The company said the generators are temporary as it transitions to fuel cells for the site's permanent power supply. DataOne said it has the necessary approvals for the fuel-cell system.
The generators were not observed during the DEP's previous inspection of the facility in December 2025, according to the agency.
Natural-gas generators emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and other combustion-related pollutants, the DEP said.
The $1.07 million penalty is the largest enforcement action against a data center in New Jersey history, according to the DEP and Gov. Mikie Sherrill's office.
The enforcement action comes as New Jersey has increased its regulation of data centers and their use of energy and water. Sherrill signed laws this summer establishing a separate electric rate structure for large data centers and requiring data center owners and operators to submit semiannual reports on their energy and water use.
