The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Downe Township
Strongly Anti-Data Center Policies
Downe Township’s enacted measures classify data centers as non-permitted in every zone, including smaller facilities, effectively barring them. The descriptions call the measures proposed, despite listing them as enacted.
current law · Township of DowneThis row's immutable statewide-sounding name is misleading: the primary document is Downe Township Resolution R-99-2026.New Jersey Resolution R-99-2026 (2026)
What this means
If enacted, the measure would ban data centers in every zone, including smaller facilities, making building or operating one in Downe impermissible. The proposed ordinance describes data centers as a “Non-Permitted Use in All Zones”.
People behind it
- Michael L. Rothman
Mayor and signatory; offered the resolution.
- R. Campbell
Seconded the resolution.
- Nadine E. Lockley
Municipal Clerk; certified the adopted resolution.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Procedural only: directs a ballot question to put the question of banning data centers before the public. No substantive zoning ban imposed by this resolution.
Sources
current law · Downe TownshipLocal reporting says Downe Township unanimously adopted Resolution R-111-2026 approving the ballot question on August 17.New Jersey Resolution R-111-2026 (2026)
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
No verified substantive prohibition in this resolution; ballot statement gauges sentiment about whether or not to ban all Data Centers.
Sources
current law · Downe TownshipWould amend Downe Township’s zoning code to designate data centers as a non-permitted use in every zoning district, applying township-wide.New Jersey Ordinance 2026-04 (2026)
What this means
If enacted, the measure would make data centers a non-permitted use in every township zone, effectively barring new facilities. The township describes it as a ban on data centers in all zones, with no offsetting benefits identified.
People behind it
- Downe Township
Municipal government responsible for introducing and adopting Ordinance 2026-04, which designates data centers as a non-permitted use in all township zones.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Designates data centers as a non-permitted use in all zones within Downe Township, effectively banning their construction, expansion, and operation under Ordinance 2026-04.
Sources
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