NJ Governor Mikie Sherrill Lays Out Plan to Establish Guardrails for Data Centers in Garden State
The plan would require data centers to cover more of their power costs and report water use as lawmakers weigh new statewide rules.
- On Wednesday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a four-part strategy in Trenton to regulate data centers, addressing their impact on energy demand, water consumption, and local communities while promoting AI innovation.
- Data centers accounted for 70% of projected demand growth last year on the regional PJM Interconnection grid, with newer facilities consuming as much as 300 megawatts of electricity, dramatically increasing pressure on ratepayers.
- The proposal mandates large facilities report energy and water usage every six months and establishes 'fair-share rules' requiring developers to fund grid upgrades and negotiate community benefit agreements addressing noise, light, and pollution.
- Democratic state Sen. Troy Singleton applauded the announcement and proposed the 'Responsible Data Center Development and Resource Protection Act,' establishing a comprehensive statewide framework for data center siting, utility impacts, water usage, and accountability.
- While officials emphasized they are not attempting to block AI development, Sherrill said the plan ensures companies 'contribute their fair share' to infrastructure and communities, balancing innovation with accountability and protecting ratepayers.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Data centers in NJ could face new regulations to address energy costs
TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) – New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is placing guardrails on data centers statewide. On Wednesday, the governor announced a comprehensive statewide plan that could address the impact of data centers on New Jersey's communities. “Data centers are among the biggest drivers of energy costs, which I am working tirelessly to bring down,” [...]
New Jersey Monitor
Gov. Sherrill seeks limits on data center construction
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the boom in data center construction has led to “real concerns” about their impact on electric rates, water quality, and more. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo/New Jersey Monitor)Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Wednesday that she backs legislation that would regulate data centers and seeks to implement new policies aimed at limiting the industry, which has faced opposition here in New Jersey and nationwide. Sherrill, a Democrat, said d…
Gov. Sherrill’s Data Center Plan is Totally Inadequate - Full Moratorium Needed Now
Trenton, NJ – Today, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a four-point plan to bring new regulations to the rapidly expanding AI data center industry in the state. In response, Food & Water Watch’s New Jersey State Director Matt Smith issued the following statement: “Governor Sherrill’s half-hearted attempt to rein in the increasingly out-of-control data center industry is entirely inadequate. The only proper solution to addressing this…
abc 6 Philadelphia
abc 7 NYNJ Governor Mikie Sherrill lays out plan to establish guardrails for data centers in Garden State
The plan requires data centers to pay for their own energy, operate transparently, add value to communities, and support good-paying jobs long term.
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