New Jersey has ordered DataOne to pay $1.1 million after an investigation found unpermitted gas generators operating at its planned Vineland data center. Thermal drone footage showed 45 of 62 units running, according to Ars Technica, although generators at that capacity require state air permits.
Each unit was rated at 1,982 kilowatts, more than 50 times the 37-kilowatt threshold cited by state officials. Gas generators emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and other pollutants associated with respiratory and cardiovascular harm. The site is near homes, farmland and two schools and is reportedly used to power Microsoft AI services including Copilot.
The state called the penalty its largest enforcement action against a New Jersey data center. DataOne has 45 days to apply for permits or stop operating the engines, but may continue running them during that period. The company disputes the fine and says it plans to replace the temporary generators with lower-emission fuel cells.
Residents and environmental groups argue that the penalty and continued operation are inadequate. Permitting will determine whether the existing system can remain, while questions about past local air exposure are unresolved.