TRENTON – Senator Troy Singleton, Chairman of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement regarding responsible data center development in New Jersey:

“I applaud Governor Mikie Sherrill for recognizing the urgent need to establish a responsible framework around data center development in New Jersey. As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continues to grow, it is essential that we proactively address the economic, environmental, and utility infrastructure impacts associated with these large-scale facilities.

“That is why I am proposing the 'Responsible Data Center Development and Resource Protection Act,' which would establish a comprehensive statewide framework governing the siting, utility and environmental impacts, water usage, and public accountability of large-scale data centers in New Jersey

“This legislation will be designed to balance several legitimate and competing public policy priorities. It supports responsible economic development and technological innovation while protecting residential and small-business electric ratepayers from unfair infrastructure cost shifting. It will also seek to safeguard New Jersey’s drinking water supply and environmental resources, preserve grid reliability amid rapidly increasing electricity demand, and encourage redevelopment of appropriate industrial and brownfield sites instead of environmentally sensitive lands.

“Most importantly, this proposal would create predictable statewide standards for local governments, utilities, developers, and regulators so that communities are not left navigating these complex projects without clear rules or protections in place.

“Economic development and environmental protection must go hand in hand. We can support growth and job creation while still demanding responsible planning, strong environmental safeguards, and honest engagement with the people who will live with the consequences of these decisions. New Jersey can welcome innovation and investment while ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability for our residents and future generations.”