One of east coast’s largest datacenters accused of ‘violating federal law’
Thermal drone footage shows a Microsoft-backed AI datacenter powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators The largest planned AI datacenter in New Jersey is being accused of violating federal law after a visual investigation found the site running dozens of unpermitted gas-powered generators. Thermal drone footage captured by the non-profit newsroom Floodlight last week showed…
Thermal drone footage reveals Microsoft-backed AI datacenter operating unpermitted generators in Vineland, New Jersey. The DataOne facility, slated to serve Microsoft through a $17 billion deal with Dutch AI infrastructure giant Nebius, is accused of violating federal law by running at least 45 out of 62 generators without proper permits.
Concerns have been raised about the site's proximity to two schools and the substantial health-harming air pollution generated by the tractor-trailer-size generators. Federal and state law require the datacenter to obtain a final permit and commence generator use only after approval. Bruce Buckheit, a former EPA air enforcement chief, stated that DataOne's actions "violate federal law" and called for the immediate cessation of generator operation and financial penalties for illegal emissions.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) confirmed that no permits have been issued for the power generators at DataOne, stating they noticed the generators during a site inspection on July 29 and are still determining compliance. DataOne maintains it will adhere to environmental and permitting requirements.
Nebius and Microsoft declined to comment on the allegations. The EPA noted that New Jersey regulators are responsible for air permitting over DataOne. This marks the first time a New Jersey datacenter seeks to build its own power plant, a strategy pioneered by Elon Musk's datacenters and adopted by nearly 60 others nationwide. DataOne originally planned for over 30 Bergen gas-burning engines but withdrew its application after the NJDEP found deficiencies.
The facility now plans to use Bloom fuel cells, which produce 300MW but still emit significant carbon dioxide. Local residents have complained about noise and health-harming air pollution for months, leading to a class-action lawsuit over noise pollution. If the NJDEP issues an enforcement action over the unpermitted generators, it would not be the first time New Jersey officials have cited DataOne for violations.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
