New Jersey fines data center $1.1M after drone pics expose 62 gas generators

A data center operator was fined $1.1 million by New Jersey after drone footage revealed it had secretly installed and operated 62 gas generators without required permits, running at capacities far exceeding state limits. The generators emit pollutants including carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides that can worsen asthma, trigger heart attacks, and cause early deaths. Residents and environmental groups have criticized the fine as insufficient, arguing the company should be forced to stop operations during the permit application period and that million-dollar penalties amount to minor costs for a large corporation. The case represents the first enforcement action of its kind against a data center in the state and occurred after concerns were initially raised at a public town hall meeting six months earlier.