DataOne faces lawsuit and federal law violations for operating unpermitted gas generators at its Vineland, New Jersey AI data center

DataOne is facing scrutiny for its 300-megawatt AI data center in Vineland, New Jersey, after an investigation revealed the facility has been operating dozens of gas-powered generators without the necessary permits. Thermal drone footage captured 45 of the 62 generators actively spewing pollution into the air, a move that critics say violates federal law. The facility, which serves as part of a $17 billion deal with Microsoft and the Dutch company Nebius, sits just a mile from two local schools and is causing significant noise pollution for nearby residents. Local residents, including Steve Brown, have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that the "unreasonable and excessive noise" from the facility is a nuisance for up to one mile around the site. While DataOne aims to provide significant economic benefits to the city, the project has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and perceived disregard for local environmental rules. The administration announced that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is currently reviewing the information to make a full compliance determination regarding the illegal emissions.

Sources

• The Guardian
  ‘It’s all you can hear’: New Jersey lawsuit takes on datacenter’s noise pollution
• WHYY
  Vineland data center accused of operating natural gas generators without permit
• Stand.earth
  Community and environmental groups demand Microsoft cease operations at New Jersey AI data center after investigation alleges use of unpermitted polluting gas generators
• Courier-Post
  Vineland residents await data center response in noise lawsuit
• Northeast Times
  Massive AI data center near Philly accused of running unpermitted generators