The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has fined DataOne $1.07 million for operating 62 unauthorized natural gas generators at its Vineland data center. This penalty, issued on September 22, 2026, represents the largest environmental enforcement action against a data center in the state's history.
The facility utilized 62 Caterpillar G3516H engines with a combined capacity of approximately 123 MW. State regulations require permits for any generator rated at 37 kW or higher, yet these units were installed without the necessary preconstruction or operating certificates.
DataOne argued that the equipment should be classified as temporary, which would involve less stringent regulatory requirements, but the state regulator rejected this position. The issue was initially identified during inspections conducted in December 2025 and July 2026.
The Vineland project is part of a $17 billion partnership with Microsoft intended to serve the Nebius Group, with a target capacity of 300 to 350 MW. DataOne is now seeking the required permits for the gas generators while transitioning to permanent Bloom Energy fuel cells.
