The DataOne artificial intelligence data center facility in Vineland, Cumberland County, New Jersey, was hit with a $1.07 million fine by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
Key Details of the Case
- The Violation: The NJDEP issued an enforcement order citing DataOne for violating the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act by installing and operating 62 large natural-gas generators without obtaining required pre-construction air permits and operating certificates. In New Jersey, environmental permits are mandatory for generators exceeding a 37-kilowatt capacity.
- Power Capacity: Each of the 62 stationary reciprocating engines produces 1,982 kilowatts, combining for a total on-site generating capacity of 123 megawatts.
- How It Was Discovered: The unpermitted machinery was spotted after a local resident flying a camera drone—and subsequent reporting by news outlets Floodlight and The Guardian—revealed dozens of running generators. State inspectors followed up with an official inspection on July 29, 2026, confirming the equipment was installed without authorization since their previous inspection in December 2025.
- The Company’s Response: DataOne (a campus built for cloud AI firm Nebius) maintained that the generators are a temporary setup while transitioning to its permanent, clean-energy fuel-cell power system. While disputing the state’s classification, DataOne agreed to apply for the necessary air permits.
- State Order: The NJDEP has ordered DataOne to secure all required air permits within 45 days or immediately shut down the generators.
Wider Context
The $1.07 million fine marks the largest environmental enforcement penalty ever issued against a data center in New Jersey. The case highlights growing tension between tech infrastructure developers racing to power high-demand AI data hubs and state regulators enforcing local air quality and grid protections.
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