Thermal drone evidence leads NJ to record $1.07M fine against AI datacenter
rohanpaul_ai · x · 2026-09-27
A Floodlight investigation with the Guardian found DataOne's Vineland, NJ AI datacenter running at least 45 gas-powered generators without a state permit; regulators then issued a $1.07M fine — New Jersey's largest-ever enforcement action against a datacenter. The DEP commissioner said it "sends a clear message that these facilities will not be constructed or operated with impunity."
The site, 40 miles outside Philadelphia, has drawn controversy since breaking ground in 2025 over noise complaints, unpermitted construction and a combative zoning process. It supplies AI compute to Microsoft via a $17bn deal with Dutch infrastructure giant Nebius. The DEP says the tractor-trailer-sized machines "were not observed" in December but were found in July.
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