The DataOne AI datacenter in Vineland, New Jersey, is accused of violating federal law by operating dozens of unpermitted gas-powered generators. Thermal drone footage captured last week by the non-profit newsroom Floodlight showed the partly completed facility running at least 45 of its 62 generators.
Bruce Buckheit, a former EPA air enforcement chief, stated that federal and state law mandates DataOne to have a final permit before bringing generators on site or operating them. He believes the company's actions violate federal law and suggests they should cease operations and pay a fine for illegal emissions.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) confirmed that no permits have been issued or are currently under review for power generators at the DataOne facility. An NJDEP spokesperson noted the agency observed the generators during a site inspection on 29 July but has not yet made a full compliance determination.
DataOne, which is slated to provide AI computing power to Microsoft as part of a $17bn deal with Nebius, did not respond to questions regarding its unpermitted generators. The company stated its commitment to meeting all applicable environmental and permitting requirements. Nebius and Microsoft declined to comment.
The facility, located about a mile from two schools, has drawn controversy since 2025 due to noise complaints and unpermitted construction. Local residents have reported a constant humming noise for months, leading to a class-action lawsuit over noise pollution.