New Jersey would pause construction of large data centers for study

Construction and permits to locate, build, or open covered data centers would be prohibited. The pause covers New Jersey data centers with at least 25 megawatts of electrical demand from computing, storage, and network equipment. Projects approved or under construction before the law takes effect would be exempt. If enacted, the pause would begin immediately and end 90 days after the Department of Environmental Protection submits its report.

The Department of Environmental Protection would study data center development and send findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The study would examine environmental damage, pressure on utilities, and financial impacts such as higher utility bills. The department would accept public comments and hold at least one public hearing. The report would be due no later than 15 months after the law takes effect.