New Jersey Penalizes Data Center $1.1M for Hidden Gas Generators

WHO:

Reddit Conspiracy - New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and DataOne are involved in the case.

Ars Technica - Ed Potosnak is the DEP Commissioner.

Reddit Conspiracy - Nichole Gardner is a co-chair of the local environmental nonprofit Sustain SJ.

WHAT:

Reddit Conspiracy - New Jersey fined DataOne $1.1 million for secretly installing and operating gas generators.

Reddit Conspiracy - DataOne operated 62 gas generators, with 45 of them confirmed to be running without the necessary permits.

Ars Technica - The gas generators operated at capacities of 1,982 kilowatts, which is more than 50 times higher than the state limit for unpermitted generators.

WHERE:

Reddit Conspiracy - The incident involves one of the East Coast’s largest planned data centers located in New Jersey.

WHEN:

Reddit Conspiracy - DataOne has 45 days to apply for the necessary permits or cease operations.

WHY:

Reddit Conspiracy - The gas generators emit pollutants such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide, which can worsen health issues like asthma and heart attacks.

HOW:

Reddit Conspiracy - The fine was imposed following an investigation that included thermal drone footage revealing the operation of the gas generators.

(UPDATED September 25, 2026 05:57 UTC)

New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection has fined DataOne $1.1 million for secretly installing and operating gas generators at one of the East Coast’s largest planned data centers, with 45 of the 62 generators confirmed to be running without the necessary permits. The gas generators, which operate at capacities of 1,982 kilowatts—more than 50 times higher than the state limit for unpermitted generators—emit pollutants that can exacerbate health issues like asthma and heart attacks. DataOne has 45 days to apply for the required permits or cease operations, following an investigation that included thermal drone footage showing the generators in use.