New Jersey Democrats say that if they win the House, federal rules on data centers and AI are a top priority. Here is what that could mean near you.
New Jersey Democrats running for Congress say that if their party wins the House in the Nov. 3 election, they will move quickly to put federal limits on data centers. These are the large buildings full of computers that power AI and online services. Candidates say public anger over them is a big reason voters are paying attention.
Rep. Rob Menendez, who represents the 8th District and has no Republican challenger, said AI is high on the priority list. Democrats say they want data centers to supply their own clean power. They also want to call AI executives to testify before Congress. Menendez said states are experimenting with AI rules, but the country needs a federal framework.
In January, Menendez introduced two bills. Other legislation he pointed to would pause construction of AI data centers until the federal government requires approval for new AI models.
A new Politico poll says half of Americans oppose a data center within three miles of their home. Respondents were also more likely to oppose candidates who back data center construction. The poll says Democrats are benefiting from the backlash.
Adam Hamawy, a physician running in the 12th District, joined environmental activists at a protest against a planned data center in South Brunswick. He does not support a ban but backs a temporary pause to study the impact. "We need to slow down. We are moving too fast," he said.
Until now, most of the action has happened in towns. More than 100 of New Jersey's 564 municipalities have banned or restricted new data centers. South Jersey Climate News counts at least 80 data centers in the state. Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, has resisted calls for a statewide ban, while some states, including New York, are considering moratoriums.
In the 2nd District, Democrat Zack Mullock, the Cape May mayor, points to a data center in Vineland. State officials recently fined it $1 million for installing dozens of unpermitted power generators. Mullock supports a moratorium and opposes tax breaks for developers. He is running against Rep. Jeff Van Drew.
Carmen Bucco, a Republican running in the 10th District, lives about a mile from a $1.8 billion CoreWeave data center now under construction in Kenilworth. He understands worries about water, noise and energy use. But he sees hypocrisy in the protests, noting that no one protests golf courses over water use. He compared the worries to early fears about cell phones and microwaves.
All 12 of New Jersey's House seats are on the ballot Nov. 3. Any federal action would come only if Democrats take control of the House next year. The bills are proposals, and none has passed. It is not clear how far other lawmakers would go.
If a data center is planned near you, federal rules on power, water and AI could become a real possibility after the Nov. 3 election.
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