New Jersey’s largest planned AI data center, DataOne, has stirred controversy since day one. 

Persistent noise complaints, unpermitted construction and a contentious zoning process have plagued the project since it broke ground last year, but it wasn’t until the state fined the company more than $1 million last month over its fleet of unpermitted gas-powered generators that DataOne became international news.

A new short documentary from Floodlight shows how a thermal drone investigation in August first brought these generators to light, and how the Vineland community reacted to learning what was spewing into their air.

“What am I breathing in? What am I being exposed to?” said Tiffany Leone-Vespa, who lives about a mile from the generator fleet. “It's terrifying for me.”

Following New Jersey’s record fine against DataOne, Floodlight obtained public records showing the unpermitted generator fleet was capable of emitting staggering amounts of air pollution and had been operating for nearly a year before state regulators intervened. Floodlight also asked Ed Potosnak, commissioner for the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, why his agency was allowing the facility to continue running the generators despite the lack of permits.

As seen in the video, Potosnak refused to answer, instead suggesting to a Floodlight reporter that they set up a time for an interview. His office would later refuse that interview request. 

Today, DataOne continues operating its fleet of generators as it works toward “transitioning to low-emission, quiet fuel cells as part of the site’s permanent power solution,” according to its spokesperson. 

Despite initially claiming they would apply for the necessary permits, the company has since requested a hearing to contest the state’s fine and argue the generators do not require permits. 

Under the state’s enforcement order, DataOne has until November 6 to apply for the permits or stop operating them.