Gov. Mikie Sherrill wants transparency, accountability about new data centers coming to NJ
The main contributor of those increases are data centers, according to the governor. In response, she says her plan going forward will help stop out-of-control electric bills by regulating an industry that is a growing necessity.
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Gov. Mikie Sherrill outlined a plan moving forward to hold data centers accountable and offer transparency to neighbors as towns continue to push back.
“Electricity prices were up 20% last summer alone. They’ve been the fastest driver of inflation, ” said Gov. Sherrill.
The main contributor of those increases are data centers, according to the governor. In response, she says her plan going forward will help stop out-of-control electric bills by regulating an industry that is a growing necessity.
“Instead of asking New Jerseyans to subsidize big tech, we’re asking big tech to improve our grid, making it more efficient and reliable and lowering costs for everyone,” said Gov. Sherrill.
This led into the first of a four-part plan outlined by the governor.
Part 1 – data centers must pay for their own energy.
Part 2 – transparency – centers must report every six months how much electricity and water are used.
Part 3 – centers must create good paying, sustainable union jobs for New Jersey residents.
Part 4 – Centers must give back to the communities.
News 12 explained Gov. Sherrill’s plan to neighbors of a new AI data center coming to Kenilworth, where construction has already started on the $1.8-billion 400,000-square-foot facility.
“I think a lot of people are against it. I’m actually not if she’s doing everything she says I’m all for it, but if not...yeah, I’m not for it,” said Lisa Chessa, of Kenilworth.
“It’s already done, it’s too late, as long as it doesn’t affect me, I’m fine with it,” said Cliff Martello, of Kenilworth.
Lisa O’Reilly from nearby Union Township believes centers simply don’t belong in crowded areas.
“I kind of feel it’s OK if it’s out in the fields of Flemington or Frenchtown,” said O’Reilly.
Gov. Sherrill wants New Jersey to lead the way by bringing control to the new centers as the plan will now head through the legislative process.
