Is Bernards Township's AI Data Center Ordinance Enough?

BASKING RIDGE, NJ —

Bernards Township Committee,

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Somerset County is experiencing a severe regulatory backlash against massive artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, with multiple local municipalities moving to proactively ban or heavily restrict their construction due to utility and resource strain. While the region remains an established cluster for older, operational facilities (such as the CyrusOne NYM1 Data Center in Somerset), new project proposals face intense public opposition and legislative blocks.

Today, Governor Sherill announced a “ plan" to advance data centers just a day after an ordinance was passed by Bernards Township to restrict them.

The full release is here as well as reaction from key groups.

This is a highly time-sensitive issue as we have seen around the state so getting ahead of it is key. We are aware of a major data center construction south off Bernards in Bridgewater is under consideration.

Will the township's ordinance prevail over the Governor's plan?

Thank you.

— John F Coelho, 22 Benedict Crescent