60+ groups just called on N.J. governor to immediately pause all AI data center projects

Source Domain: www.yahoo.com

A coalition of over 60 environmental, labor, and community organizations in New Jersey have urged Governor Mikie Sherrill to impose a temporary moratorium on new large-scale data centers consuming at least 20 megawatts of electricity due to concerns of “irreversible harm” to communities.
The groups argue that unchecked growth of data centers could increase electric rates, strain water supplies, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions without proper regulations.
The letter urging the moratorium highlights the environmental and economic impacts, including excessive electric usage and water consumption, and concerns over rising electric bills affecting New Jersey residents.
Opposition to data centers in New Jersey is growing, with some local towns such as Monroe Township and Andover Township already enacting local bans and restrictions.
Several New Jersey lawmakers are seeking to regulate data centers via at least five bills aimed at limiting residents’ costs, requiring detailed usage reporting, and enforcing data center project transparency.
Despite industry claims of economic benefits, including thousands of jobs and significant contributions to the state’s economy, environmental groups urge a statewide pause to study long-term impacts and develop protective measures.

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