New Jersey weighs diesel generator permit for South Brunswick data center; comments now due November 9
A draft state air permit for twelve emergency diesel generators at a data center under construction on Route 1 drew a crowded hearing, a neighboring town's objection and a longer comment period.
Data center developers counting on diesel backup power in New Jersey face a state air permit that can draw public hearings and organized opposition even for engines run only for testing. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (the “DEP”) held a public hearing on September 23, 2026, on a draft preconstruction permit and certificate to operate for twelve diesel-fired emergency generators at the PN-DC1 data center, 4405 Route 1, South Brunswick, Middlesex County (Program Interest No. 19525, Permit Activity No. PCP250001), and, as Patch reported on October 7, 2026, later extended the written comment deadline to November 9, 2026.
N.J. Dep't of Envtl. Prot., Draft Preconstruction Permit and Certificate to Operate, PN-DC1, Program Interest No. 19525, Permit Activity No. PCP250001; N.J. Admin. Code § 7:27-8.2(c)(1); 40 C.F.R. pt. 60, subpt. IIII