Calls Intensify For AI Data Center Ban In Newark, Local Groups Push For Moratorium

NEWARK, NJ — Calls for a temporary ban on artificial intelligence data centers continue to grow louder in New Jersey’s largest city.

Two local advocacy groups – the South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) and the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) – are asking for a one‑year moratorium on AI data center development in Newark.

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.

The campaign from advocates comes as the Newark City Council moves towards a possible ban.

Earlier this month, the city council voted in favor of a resolution that supports a 12-month moratorium on the development or expansion of data centers in Newark. For now, the resolution doesn’t make any changes to city code, which would have to be approved through a local ordinance. READ MORE: Newark City Council Takes Stance On Data Centers With New Resolution

The move was a step in the right direction, advocates said.

According to the SWEA and ICC, a temporary ban would allow time for more research into the potential impact on the local community. It would also give the public a chance to give feedback, and for the city to roll out “clear, protective standards” for any future data center proposals.

Here’s why advocates are calling for a ban, they said:

“AI data centers–particularly large‑scale, AI‑focused facilities–pose significant risks to overburdened communities. These facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, generate substantial air and noise pollution, and often operate with limited transparency. Newark’s frontline neighborhoods, including the South Ward and Ironbound, already face some of the nation’s worst cumulative environmental burdens, including elevated asthma rates, cardiovascular illness, and chronic exposure to industrial emissions.”

“Newark’s frontline neighborhoods have long been asked to absorb the harms of polluting industries,” said Leah Owens, ports and policy analyst at the SWEA.

“AI data centers threaten to intensify those burdens while offering little benefit to the people who live here,” Owens said.

Alejandra Torres, assistant director of advocacy and organizing at the ICC, said a moratorium is essential for studying the potential added environmental harms on already overburdened communities.

“Industrial development that exposes our communities to more pollution must be seriously contended with to ensure it does not sacrifice our communities’ health,” Torres said.

South Ward Councilman Patrick Council – a supporter of the city council’s resolution – said he stands with the two groups in their fight to temporarily put the brakes on data centers in Newark.

“This moratorium is an essential step toward protecting Newark residents, our environment, and the future of our neighborhoods while we fully examine the potential impacts of data centers,” he said.

Newark wouldn’t be the first New Jersey city to pass a local law prohibiting data centers. Dozens of municipalities in New Jersey have passed full or partial bans in the past year, including Jersey City and Union.

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