On Monday, Neptune Township voted to ban data centers and ICE detention facilities within its borders, joining a growing number of New Jersey towns shutting the door on large AI data centers.

“Data centers and ICE facilities each present serious concerns from resource consumption and environmental impact to due process and public safety," said Neptune Township Deputy Mayor Derel Stroud. “A lot of elected officials talk about putting people first. This ordinance is how we make that mean something.”

Neptune officials worked on the ban with members of Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey (CRAN), the Gen Z-led environmental organization that’s leading the charge to block AI data centers across the state.

“People are showing up across the country to stop data centers from opening in their communities, and New Jersey is no exception,” said Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of CRAN. “Neptune knows that data centers are driving up our utility bills, polluting our air, and using up all of our water. This is about protecting our communities from Big Tech, but we can’t leave it to individual towns to fight these battles alone. We need the state to pass a moratorium on AI data centers everywhere in New Jersey.”

Neptune also voted to block ICE detention facilities, and Dziobek sees that as part of the same fight.

“Banning ICE detention centers is the same fight as banning data centers,” said Dziobek. “Neptune is deciding what it wants built in its town and what it doesn't.”

Neptune is the 25th municipality to ban data centers in the state, following recent bans in Andover Township, Millville, Red Bank, and Warren Township.