Howell Becomes the Latest New Jersey Municipality to Ban Data Centers 

Howell is the 33rd municipality in New Jersey to ban AI data centers

HOWELL, NJ — Tonight, Howell became the latest municipality in New Jersey to ban data centers, joining communities across the state in taking a stand against the power-hungry facilities powering AI and driving up everyone’s energy bills.

The ban was applauded by Howell residents, community leaders, and grassroots climate activists who worked with Howell Mayor John Leggio and township council members. The ordinance passed the all-Republican council by a unanimous vote.

“Being proactive is always better than being reactive. Howell is a farm town with so many natural resources, so preemptively prohibiting data centers was the right thing to do," said Joe Bizonos, a Howell resident and member of Howell Connections. "I'm grateful that our mayor and Council worked earnestly with residents to make that happen.”

Residents worked alongside activists from Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey (CRAN), the Gen-Z climate advocacy organization leading the push to ban data centers in New Jersey. The ordinance passed with input from both residents and Howell Mayor John Leggio, a Republican who pledged support for the ban.

“The Howell community came together and made this ban happen because people are sick and tired of Big Tech companies coming into their towns and destroying them for profit. We’re proud that Howell stepped up to protect their residents,” said Ben Dziobek, Executive Director of CRAN. “These bans are happening in every corner of the state because this isn’t a partisan issue. Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican or an independent, data centers make you pay more for utilities and will pollute your neighborhood just the same.”

Howell is the 33rd municipality in New Jersey to ban data centers, the latest in a wave of grassroots resistance that crosses political and cultural lines, from rural farm communities in South Jersey to cities in Hudson County.

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About Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey (CRAN)

Climate Revolution Action Network New Jersey (CRAN) is New Jersey's largest Gen-Z political organization. CRAN is leading the fight to ban AI data centers across New Jersey, training and working alongside local residents to pass bans in their communities.