Secaucus residents push for limits on AI data centers, look to state for action
Anny Martinez, who began organizing opposition to new data center development several months ago, said public concern grew following the major fuel spill at a Secaucus data center earlier this year.
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Residents concerned about the growth of data centers in Secaucus gathered Sunday to discuss efforts to restrict future artificial intelligence-powered facilities in town, even as local officials acknowledge their authority is limited.
Anny Martinez, who began organizing opposition to new data center development several months ago, said public concern grew following the major fuel spill at a Secaucus data center earlier this year.
"These data centers have been here for 20 years and there's been a level of complacency, but the times are changing," Martinez said. "I think people have become very educated on not only the environmental impact, but the human and health impact."
Martinez and other residents met at a local church on Sunday.
"It is still alarming to know that so many people are unaware of the oil spill in our town," she said.
Data centers have operated in Secaucus for decades, primarily supporting traditional computing needs. However, concerns about potential development of higher-powered AI-focused facilities have prompted local officials to consider restrictions.
The Secaucus Town Council is expected to consider an ordinance that would place limits on data centers in areas under municipal control.
"The idea was to set an objective limit to make sure we don't have the high wattage, high voltage data centers coming into our area," said Secaucus Town Attorney Nick Strasser during a recent council discussion.
However, town officials acknowledged there are significant limits on what the ordinance can accomplish.
"It's very important to understand that we only have the capacity, the ability to regulate our industrial area," Strasser said. "It is not for the NJSEA zone."
Much of Secaucus falls under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA), meaning state officials retain control over development decisions in large portions of the town. As a result, the state could still approve new high-capacity data centers even if the local ordinance is adopted.
With two additional data centers already under construction, some residents said the fight needs to move beyond the local level.
"We've got nine data centers, 11 when they're done," said resident John Meyer. "How many do they need, 13, 15, 20? How many?"
The Secaucus Town Council is scheduled to meet Tuesday, when members are expected to hold a first reading of the proposed ordinance that would regulate AI-focused data centers at the municipal level.
