Microsoft-backed AI data center has been accused of violating federal law

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August 28, 2026, 4:03 PM

• •An investigation by Floodlight and The Guardian says the partly built DataOne facility in Vineland, New Jersey was running at least 45 of 62 gas-powered generators.
• •A New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection spokesperson said the agency has issued no generator permits for the site and has no permit applications under review.
• •The data center is part of a $17 billion arrangement to provide AI computing power to Microsoft through Dutch infrastructure company Nebius.
• •Residents have raised noise complaints and filed an ongoing lawsuit, and the site is about a mile from two schools.
• •Former EPA official Bruce Buckheit said operating the generators without final permits would violate federal law and should trigger a shutdown and fines.

An investigation found that the partly finished DataOne AI data center in Vineland, New Jersey was operating dozens of large gas-powered generators without permits. The facility supplies AI computing power to Microsoft through a $17 billion deal involving Dutch infrastructure company Nebius. State environmental officials said no permits have been issued or are under review for the site's generators, while former EPA official Bruce Buckheit said the activity would violate federal law. The project has already faced local opposition over noise, zoning disputes and its proximity to two schools.

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