New Jersey fines data center $1.1M after drone imagery reveals unauthorized gas generators

New Jersey regulators have imposed a $1.1 million fine on DataOne, the operator of a major data center, for the unauthorized installation and operation of 62 gas generators. The violation was uncovered following an investigation by The Guardian and Floodlight News, which utilized thermal drone footage to prove that 45 of the units were active. These generators, which significantly exceed state capacity limits, were operated without the mandatory permits required under the Air Pollution Control Act. State officials from the Department of Environmental Protection emphasized that these generators emit harmful pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, which pose serious public health risks. The facility’s failure to comply with environmental regulations has sparked concerns regarding the oversight of rapidly expanding data center infrastructure and its impact on local air quality and community health.