Unpermitted Gas Generators Power Vineland AI Data Center

DataOne, developing a 300-megawatt artificial-intelligence data center for the Nebius Group in Vineland, New Jersey, is operating dozens of natural-gas generators without a permit. Thermal-drone footage captured the site running 45 generators simultaneously. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed it observed the equipment during an inspection on July 29 and noted that DataOne has neither a permit nor an application for the generators.

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The facility, projected to cover 2.5 million square feet when finished, is part of a $17 billion Microsoft-backed AI infrastructure deal. Initial construction phases have already received approval, and the Vineland Planning Board voted earlier this month to approve a second construction phase despite community objections.

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The agency has not yet indicated whether a violation will be issued. DataOne has not responded to requests for comment.

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Bruce Buckheit, former air-enforcement chief at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, told investigators that operating unpermitted generators likely breaches federal law and that the facility should face a fine for “illegal emissions.” Local residents have repeatedly voiced health and noise concerns. The Vineland Planning Board’s approval of the second phase has drawn criticism from elected officials; Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) earlier this year proposed a moratorium on new data-center construction.

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• “I live close to the site. I breathe that air, my kids breathe in that air,” — Zac Landicini, a Vineland resident

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• “Outside is not even enjoyable to sit outside because of the noise sometimes,” — Tallis West, fellow vineland resident

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