New Jersey fines DataOne $1 million for unpermitted gas generators at Vineland AI data center

New Jersey's DEP has issued a $1 million fine to DataOne, the developer of a hyperscale AI data center in Vineland, for installing and operating 62 natural gas generators without required permits. The generators emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants, violating the state's Air Pollution Control Act. The fine follows a July inspection and a prior investigation using thermal drone footage that showed 45 generators running without permits. DataOne says it disagrees with the determination but will apply for permits and plans to transition to fuel cells for permanent power. This case highlights the growing tension between rapid AI infrastructure buildout and environmental compliance. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has introduced rules requiring data centers to supply their own clean energy and report usage, but this enforcement action shows that oversight and penalties are still catching up. The outcome will be closely watched by other states, as similar permit issues are emerging for Amazon's campus in Pennsylvania, where hundreds of backup generators are under review. The fine amount and the company's response could set a precedent for how data center emissions are policed in the region.