Dozens of towns and cities in New Jersey have passed full or partial bans on AI data centers over concerns about their environmental and social impact.
Supporters of data centers say they're needed to keep the state competitive in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence industry. But critics allege that they consume too much power and water – jacking up utility bills for local residents.
According to the Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey (CRAN), here are the places with bans currently on the books:
Three of these municipalities – Jersey City, Howell and Bayonne – have greenlighted their ordinances in the past week alone.
There may be more bans coming soon, CRAN said: proposed ordinances await a second reading in Cinnaminson, Jackson, North Brunswick and South Brunswick.
Data centers have existed since the 1950s and have "generally been harmless" – but AI is changing that, advocates say.
"Big tech companies are racing to the AI market by building 'hyperscale' data centers," CRAN says. "These facilities are far larger than traditional data centers and consume much more energy. Right now, these AI data centers are appearing across New Jersey – and it's causing the entire country serious problems."
"AI data centers are raising our bills, polluting our environment, and disturbing our communities," the group claims. "Meanwhile, the billionaires and private equity firms behind AI are using it to undermine our institutions at every corner."
While the concept of banning AI data centers has seen strong support in town halls across New Jersey, the possibility of legal challenges is also growing.
Montgomery, Andover, and Monroe have each been sued in recent weeks by developers seeking to overturn municipal prohibitions on data centers, the New Jersey Monitor reported.
"The action of the township committee was clearly based upon public hysteria and political attention rather than sound land use planning," the lawsuit targeting Montgomery's ordinance claims.
Other towns, such as Vineland, have recently approved plans to build large data centers within their borders, advancing construction plans despite objections from local residents.
In May, Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced a statewide plan to regulate data centers that she said is designed to hold them accountable – while also positioning New Jersey to become a leader in AI innovation.
Sherrill said the measures would establish guardrails to protect communities, strengthen transparency, require investment in New Jersey's energy infrastructure, and support good-paying jobs.
"By establishing these guardrails, we will hold data centers accountable, ensure they contribute their fair share, and make sure our communities not only benefit from the AI innovation happening in our state, but have a real hand in shaping it," the governor said.
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