Microsoft-backed DataOne data center accused of running 45 unpermitted generators in New Jersey
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The DataOne AI data center in Vineland, New Jersey, has been accused of violating federal law by operating at least 45 gas-powered generators without permits. Thermal drone footage from Floodlight showed the partly-finished facility running the generators simultaneously, with no permits issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The site provides AI computing power to Microsoft under a $17 billion deal with Nebius.
Key Facts
- Thermal drone footage showed at least 45 of the site's 62 generators operating simultaneously at the DataOne facility in Vineland, New Jersey.
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection confirmed it has issued no permits and has no permit applications under review for power generators at the DataOne facility.
- DataOne provides AI computing power to Microsoft as part of a $17 billion deal with Dutch AI infrastructure company Nebius.
- The facility is located about 40 miles outside Philadelphia and approximately one mile from two schools.
- Former EPA chief Bruce Buckheit stated that DataOne's actions violate federal law and the company should cease operations and pay a fine for illegal emissions.
Unpermitted Generator Operation
An investigation by Floodlight and The Guardian found the partly-finished DataOne facility running dozens of gas-powered generators without a permit. Thermal drone footage showed at least 45 of the site's 62 generators operating simultaneously. The facility allegedly lacks permits for any of the generators, according to Floodlight and The Guardian. A spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection confirmed the agency has issued no permits and has no permit applications under review for power generators at the DataOne facility in Vineland. The spokesperson added that the agency must make a full compliance determination.
Regulatory and Legal Response
Former EPA chief Bruce Buckheit said any site using this type of generator requires a final permit before bringing them online and certainly before firing them up. Buckheit believes DataOne's actions violate federal law and the company should immediately cease operations and pay a fine for their illegal emissions. DataOne has not responded to pointed questions regarding the unpermitted generators but said it remains committed to meeting all applicable environmental and permitting requirements. The noise complaints have led to an ongoing lawsuit by residents.
Community Impact and Scale
The DataOne site is located around 40 miles outside Philadelphia in Vineland, New Jersey, and just a mile from two schools. The facility will eventually become a 2.6 million-square-foot data center, compared to a standard cloud data center of about 100,000 square feet. Each generator is the size of a tractor-trailer and emits air pollution linked to health conditions such as asthma and heart attacks. The data center has been controversial since breaking ground in 2025, with persistent noise complaints, contentious zoning debates, and major blowback from residents.
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Microsoft-backed DataOne data center accused of running 45 unpermitted generators in New Jersey
