New Jersey Towns Block Data Centers

New Jersey municipalities are adopting or considering broad restrictions on new data centers as residents and officials question their effects on electricity prices, grid capacity, water use, pollution, noise, and local tax benefits.

Bayonne enacted a citywide ban, while Monroe Township and other towns have blocked projects or prohibited data centers through zoning changes. The actions are prompting lawsuits from developers and a statewide response from Governor Mikie Sherrill focused on making large facilities account for their infrastructure and community costs rather than imposing a blanket state prohibition.