New Jersey’s AI Power Struggle: Governor Sherrill Unveils Data Center Restrictions Amid Fierce Local Backlash
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, As the artificial intelligence boom accelerates nationwide, New Jersey is attempting to plant its flag as a tech leader—but local towns and environmental groups are fighting back.
On May 27, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced a first-of-its-kind, holistic statewide plan to rein in the massive energy demand, heavy resource consumption, and local community impacts of large-scale data centers. While the administration claims these new regulations will hold big tech accountable, the announcement arrives amid a massive wave of grassroots opposition across the Garden State.
Continue reading The AI Backlash Hits NJ: Why More Than Half of Voters Want to Ban Data Centers
