{
  "id": 9757451,
  "title": "New Jersey hits Microsoft-linked AI data center with record fine for 62 unpermitted power generators, issues 45-day shutdown deadline",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/new-jersey-hits-microsoft-linked-ai-data-center-with-record-fine-for",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-25T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Hardware",
    "slug": "tom-s-hardware",
    "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/data-centers/new-jersey-fines-data-center-for-using-unpermitted-power-generators-microsoft-linked-site-also-in-trouble-with-community-for-noise-pollution-other-issues"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Vineland, New Jersey, the Microsoft-linked DataOne data center has been hit with a record $1.07 million fine for operating 62 unpermitted portable generators on the construction site. State inspectors discovered these generators in late July, despite no units being present when they first visited in December. Residents had already reported the issue during a February town hall meeting. Prior to the data center's construction, residents raised concerns about unpermitted activities, including the construction of a substantial LNG tank and excessive noise levels that disrupted nearby homes. Furthermore, they felt that the project lacked adequate public consultation before it began.\n\nDespite the hefty fine, some residents feel the penalty is insufficient, describing it as \"a 'don't ask for permission, just ask for forgiveness later' approach,\" according to Steve Brown, a long-time resident. Tiffany Leone-Vespa, another community member, expressed skepticism over the fine, stating that it \"would be like pocket change for billionaires.\" DataOne disagreed with the fine and stated that it intends to apply for air permits for the temporary generators. The company also mentioned its transition to more modern fuel cells.\n\nNew Jersey has ordered the DataOne data center to comply with permitting requirements and cease using the generators within 45 days. This situation mirrors a similar case involving SpaceXAI, which deployed 69 unpermitted generators to power its Colossus 2 data center in Memphis and Southaven. The issue led to a lawsuit and concerns about the high levels of pollutants emitted in primarily black neighborhoods. However, the Department of Justice intervened and dismissed the case, ruling that the site supports mission-critical operations. Elon Musk's company eventually agreed to remove all unpermitted turbines, but the process is expected to take over a year due to the construction of replacement 1.2-gigawatt plants.",
  "summary": "The DataOne data center is facing a record fine of $1.07 million for operating portable turbine generators without permission. Residents say that the penalty is a drop in the bucket for these big tech companies.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}