New Jersey's largest planned AI data center is accused of operating 45 unpermitted generators, raising permitting and regulatory compliance issues.

The largest AI data center planned for New Jersey faces accusations of violating federal air pollution regulations even before its completion. As reported by Latitude Media, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection confirmed that the partially constructed DataOne Campus "has issued no permits, nor are any permit applications under review for power generators at the DataOne facility in Vineland." However, drone footage and records analysis by Floodlight indicate that 45 of the site’s 62 gas generators appear to be operational.

Bruce Buckheit, a former EPA air enforcement chief, told Floodlight the project appears to "violate federal law." He added that DataOne should cease generator operations and face fines for "their illegal emissions." Located roughly 40 miles from Philadelphia and approximately a mile from two schools, the development operates under a $17 billion agreement with Dutch AI infrastructure company Nebius. The site is expected to supply AI computing capacity for Microsoft.

Since construction began in 2025, the project has faced opposition over zoning disputes, allegations of unpermitted construction, and repeated noise complaints. Andrew and Stevi Groetsch, residents living less than a mile from the site, report that the continuous hum has disrupted their sleep and daily routines. "It's just constant. It never goes away," Andrew told Floodlight.

Across the United States, AI-driven expansion is straining electricity demand, prompting some data center developers to pursue on-site generation rather than wait for grid connections. Citing energy analytics firm Cleanview, Floodlight reports that nearly 60 data centers nationwide plan to construct their own gas-fired power plants. While AI can help optimize electrical grids, improve wind and solar forecasting, and support cleaner infrastructure, its rapid deployment carries significant environmental and community impacts. Conversely, AI facilities consume vast quantities of electricity and water, increase local pollution when powered by fossil fuels, raise energy costs for neighboring communities, and intensify concerns regarding security, misuse, and broader social impacts. Air pollution from large gas generators has been linked to asthma, heart attacks, and premature death.

Following a July 29 inspection, state regulators stated they have not yet reached "a full compliance determination." Should authorities conclude the generators were operated unlawfully, Buckheit noted that "one might be seeing administrative enforcement action." When questioned about the generators, DataOne did not provide a direct answer but stated it "remains committed to meeting all applicable environmental and permitting requirements." Nebius did not respond to requests for comment, and Microsoft declined to comment.

DataOne initially sought approval for more than 30 gas-burning engines, but New Jersey regulators flagged multiple issues with the filing. The company subsequently withdrew the application and now plans to deploy Bloom fuel cells capable of generating 300 megawatts. Because these fuel cells generate electricity without combustion, they are expected to produce fewer health-harming air pollutants than the originally proposed engines. Nevertheless, a Bloom representative testified that the complete build-out could still release more than 2 billion pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

"If you don't follow one rule, what makes us have any reason to believe that you would then follow others?" Stevi Groetsch asked. "It's so upsetting."

• In New Jersey, AI data centers could push electric bills up another 20 percent.

• Nationwide, AI facilities now devour 6% of U.S. electricity as demand surges.

• Big Tech's AI boom is outrunning the power grid as infrastructure spending soars.

• Public anger is growing as AI's water and electricity use fuels wider backlash.

• At MIT, researchers show AI can optimize renewable power grids instead of burdening them.