New Jersey Legislation Mandates Data Centers Report Energy and Water Usage
New Jersey has enacted legislation requiring data centers to submit biannual reports on their water and energy consumption. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and ensure that data center operations benefit local communities and do not exacerbate existing resource challenges.

On August 27, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill signed a bill mandating data centers to report their energy and water usage to the state's Board of Public Utilities biannually. This legislation is part of a broader strategy to address the increasing demands that data centers place on local resources, projecting that these facilities will account for nearly 10% of the state's electricity usage within four years.
The state will also assist municipalities in negotiating community benefits agreements with data center developers to ensure local investments. Additionally, Sherrill previously established a new ratepayer class for data centers, requiring them to pay for infrastructure upgrades and contribute clean energy to the grid. Ongoing protests indicate a growing concern among communities about the impact of data centers on local environments and utility costs.




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