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Committee votes to require energy plans and clean power for AI data centers and miners
Summary
S680 would require proposed AI data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities to submit energy‑usage plans and ensure electricity comes from new clean sources; proponents said the policy protects ratepayers and grid reliability, while business groups urged targeted thresholds and flexibility; the committee released the bill.
The committee considered S680, a bill requiring AI data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities to file energy‑usage plans and ensure electricity used is derived from new clean-energy sources. Chairman Smith described the measure as intended to prevent ratepayers from shouldering the cost of new, large electricity users and to require data centers to bring their own electricity or contract for new generation.
Supporters, including the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters and a range of climate advocates, said the bill would protect ratepayers and reduce the pollution and grid strain associated with rapid data‑center growth. Ben Jobeck (Climate Revolution Action Network) told senators the companies should build clean generation and battery storage to reduce peak demand and local pollution.
Business representatives and utilities raised concerns about the bill’s scope and feasibility for always‑on loads, asking for size thresholds (for example, a 100‑megawatt threshold) and flexibility on what qualifies as acceptable firm clean power. After discussion and amendments clarifying planning requirements and technical standards, the committee voted to release S680.
