New jersey imposes $1.1M fine on data center for illegal gas generators

New Jersey has fined DataOne, operator of a major East Coast data center, $1.1 million for illegally operating 62 gas generators without proper permits. The violation was uncovered through thermal drone footage shared by The Guardian and Floodlight News in August, revealing 45 of the generators were active. These generators, running at 1,982-kw capacities—over 50 times the state’s 37-kw limit—operated without required permits. New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) highlighted the dangers of such generators, which emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants linked to asthma, heart attacks, and early deaths. The DEP emphasized the need to monitor such generators due to their harmful emissions. The fine marks a significant enforcement action against environmental violations in the state.