Towns use home rule to block data centers, a step beyond Sherrill

In several New Jersey towns, local governments are leveraging home rule powers to prevent the construction of data centers, going further than state regulations proposed by Sherrill. These municipalities argue that the massive power and water demands of data centers would strain local resources. This move highlights the ongoing tension between technological growth and local community interests, as towns seek to protect their infrastructure and resources while balancing the economic benefits of tech development. The situation underscores a broader debate about local versus state control over land use and the environmental impacts of high-tech industries.