Andover Township voted to ban data centers after a viral town meeting clip showed residents cheering the decision. Locals and officials cite concerns over the higher electricity and water demands of new AI-focused facilities, plus noise and perceived lack of input. Gov. Mikie Sherrill proposed statewide "guardrails" including requiring data centers to fund grid upgrades and report power and water use twice a year. Industry groups counter that data centers support jobs and contributed about $17 billion to the state economy in 2023.
Andover Township Bans Data Centers After Rousing Town Meeting, Halting AI Facility
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A viral video captured the moment Andover Township, New Jersey, voted to enact a full ban on data centers — effectively halting a proposed AI-focused facility. The clip, shared by Ben Dziobek, drew nearly 700,000 views and shows residents cheering and giving a standing ovation after the vote.
Local Backlash Over Energy, Water and Noise
Residents say concerns about the newest generation of data centers — which can demand far more electricity and water than older facilities — drove the decision. Critics worry about higher utility bills, potential impacts on local water supplies, persistent noise (some Vineland residents report a constant hum), and a perceived lack of community input as projects advance.
Statewide Debate and Proposed Guardrails
The Andover vote comes amid a broader debate across New Jersey. The state already hosts roughly 80 data centers, but AI-focused sites have renewed scrutiny. Gov. Mikie Sherrill proposed a four-part plan to add "guardrails" for the industry, including requiring data centers to fund necessary grid upgrades and to disclose power and water use twice a year.
"We are not going to be beholden to Big Tech. We are going to chart our path forward here in New Jersey," Gov. Sherrill said, acknowledging local concerns while weighing statewide economic interests.
Economic Claims and Policy Options
Industry groups emphasize the economic role of data centers: the Data Center Coalition said the sector supported more than 96,000 jobs and contributed about $17 billion to New Jersey's economy in 2023. Policymakers are discussing options to balance growth with community protection — including proposals that would require developers, rather than ratepayers, to cover infrastructure and grid upgrade costs.
What's Next
Similar debates are unfolding in multiple towns — including Kenilworth, Millville, Vineland, Monroe Township and Pemberton Township — as local officials and residents demand greater transparency and local control. The Andover decision highlights growing grassroots momentum for municipalities to weigh in on whether and how data center projects should proceed.
Context: Federal data cited by NJ.com found New Jersey households experienced some of the country's steepest electricity price increases last year, with average annual bills rising by roughly $260 — a statistic that has amplified local concerns about new, energy-intensive facilities.
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