New Jersey Slaps $1.07 Million Fine on Data Center for Illicit Gas Generators

A data center in New Jersey that powers Microsoft's AI, Copilot, has been hit with a $1.07 million fine by the state after it was found to be using 62 natural gas generators without proper permits.

The discovery was made after a local farmer noticed equipment being installed on the campus and took photos. An investigation followed, which included the use of a thermal drone that detected 45 of the generators in operation.

The data center, owned by DataOne, has been given 45 days to obtain the necessary permits, but it can continue using the gas generators in the interim.

New Jersey's Air Pollution Control Act requires both reconstruction permits and operating certificates for generators with a capacity of over 37kW. The state says that each of the 62 generators has a capacity of 1,982 kilowatts, making them collectively capable of producing 123 megawatts of power.

DataOne has released a statement saying it disagrees with the fine but will apply for the necessary permits and is in communication with the Department of Environmental Protection regarding its findings and the transition to fuel cells.