New Jersey Voters Have Opposed Data Center Projects
A majority of state voters now support local bans on new data center developments to curb land and resource use.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Data Centers
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Recent polling shows 56% of New Jersey voters would support a ban on new data centers as local residents express growing concerns over land, energy, and water consumption. Across the state, there are approximately 80 data hubs currently in various stages of construction, planning, or operation.
Why it matters
The rise of data centers has sparked widespread local opposition due to their significant utility demands and perceived negative impacts from the artificial intelligence systems they power. This backlash has led to legal hurdles for developers and prompted new legislative efforts to regulate the industry.
New Jersey currently hosts approximately 80 data hubs either built, under construction, or in the permitting process. Meanwhile, public sentiment has shifted, with 41% of voters now fearing that AI will worsen their lives, up from 36% in 2024.
The players
Mikie Sherrill
She is the Governor of New Jersey who signed legislation restricting the electricity and water usage of data centers.
Stockton Hughes Center
This organization conducts research and polling on voter sentiment and public policy issues within New Jersey.
The details
Municipalities are increasingly attempting to enact local bans on data center development, leading to legal challenges such as those seen in Andover. To proceed, many developers must now negotiate formal host benefit or community benefit agreements with local towns before receiving final approvals.
Timeline
In 2020, internet shopping sales experienced a growth of $244.2 billion.
In March 2026, members of the congressional delegation introduced a bill to study data centers.
A May 2026 poll conducted by the Stockton Hughes Center measured voter sentiment.
Data center opposition emerged as a key issue in the 2026 midterm races.
The Tech Race
The push for local bans follows the enactment of the New Jersey data center utility restriction legislation, which forces developers to navigate stricter environmental compliance. This trend marks a shift toward localized regulatory control over the massive infrastructure required to power modern AI systems.
Residents may see changes in local zoning policies as towns seek to limit the footprint of new tech hubs near their neighborhoods. These shifts could lead to more public hearings and negotiated community benefit agreements for future infrastructure projects in the area.
The takeaway
As AI demand continues to climb, the tension between infrastructure growth and local resource concerns remains a flashpoint for state politics. Voters should monitor upcoming midterm elections to see how candidates plan to balance these utility demands with community quality-of-life concerns.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving regulatory landscape, visit our Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Record.
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Should local governments enact bans on the construction of data centers in your area?
