FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2026
Contact: Anthony Campisi
Anthony@WalnutLaneStrategies.com
(732) 266-8221
New Jersey LCV Interim Applauds Legislative Progress of Bills Protecting Working Families from Data Center Costs
Today, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee voted to advance S680, a critical piece of legislation requiring new data centers to meet strict clean energy and grid-protection standards. Allison McLeod, Interim Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (New Jersey LCV), issued the following statement:
Today’s vote is a bold and necessary step to protect New Jersey’s working families and local businesses from being forced to bear the cost of the global data center boom. We cannot allow Big Tech to drive our electricity rates sky-high and strain our state's infrastructure while padding corporate profits.
S680 addresses one of the most serious drivers of skyrocketing energy prices by requiring mammoth energy users to bring their own new, clean energy to the table. By ensuring that data centers do not further strain our existing grid and instead power their operations with new, clean generation, this legislation fits squarely within Governor Sherrill’s affordability agenda. We are making it clear: If you want to build in New Jersey, you must be a partner in our clean energy transition, not a burden on our families.
This legislation can also serve as a vital shield for our communities against the massive air pollution often associated with rapid data center expansion. We have seen the cautionary tale of what happens when these projects are left unregulated. In Memphis, Elon Musk’s xAI data center has installed nearly 20 massive, gas-powered jet engines to power its facility. These turbines spew significant amounts of smog-forming nitrogen oxides into the air, factors that can exacerbate childhood asthma and heart disease in seniors within already overburdened communities.
New Jersey must not allow the same thing to happen here. By mandating that data centers be powered by new clean energy, we aren't just protecting our air and public health, we are ensuring that this industry creates high-quality, sustainable union jobs right here in New Jersey.
New Jersey must be a national leader in responsible data center development, and this historic legislation is a massive step forward. We applaud the leadership of the Senate and Assembly committees for moving these bills forward. Now, we need the full Legislature to act quickly to pass these bills so we can get them to the Governor’s desk and secure a cleaner, more affordable future for all New Jerseyans.