New Jersey fines data center $1.1 million for unauthorized gas generators

<p>This week, New Jersey ordered the operator of one of the East Coast’s largest planned data centers to pay a $1.1 million fine for installing and operating gas generators without the necessary permits, in violation of the state’s Air Pollution Control Act.</p><p>DataOne was fined following an investigation by The Guardian and Floodlight News in August, which revealed thermal drone footage showing that 45 of the 62 gas generators were operational. None of the generators had the required permits for units with capacities of 37 kilowatts or higher, even though they were running at capacities of 1,982 kilowatts, significantly exceeding the state limit.</p><p>Officials from New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) stated that gas generators like those used by DataOne are monitored due to their emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants related to combustion. These emissions can exacerbate asthma, trigger heart attacks, and lead to premature deaths.</p>