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.
Medford Township
Mixed Data Center Policies
New Jersey requires large data centers to cover much of their electricity costs and offer demand flexibility; reporting and construction rules add paperwork and costs. Tax incentives are available only to qualifying projects, while regulators study possible electricity-cost effects.
Rating and summary from New Jersey statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Medford Township.
pending · Medford TownshipProhibits data centers as a nonpermitted use in every zoning district and elsewhere within Medford Township, covering facilities that store, manage, or process digital or electronic data and related infrastructure, due to concerns about resource consumption, noise, air quality, environmental impacts, community character, and long-term planning.Medford Township Ordinance 2026-15 (2026)
What this means
The ordinance explicitly bans data centers in every zone and throughout Medford, so it would prevent new facilities and expansions that count as data centers. Its definition also covers facilities used primarily to store, manage, or process digital data (“Data Center” definition).
People behind it
- Mayor and Council of the Township of Medford
Determined that the measure was necessary, introduced and ordained the ordinance, and adopted it after public hearing.
- Tara Wicker
Municipal Clerk who administered the ordinance’s required notices and attested to the final adoption.
- Township of Medford Planning Board
Directed to review the ordinance and submit a report concerning its consistency with the Master Plan and related recommendations.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
Data centers are explicitly prohibited in every zoning district and elsewhere within Medford Township’s geographic boundaries, with no stated exceptions. The ban applies to facilities used primarily to store, manage, or process digital or electronic data, including associated servers, network equipment, telecommunications systems, environmental controls, substations, transformers, generators, redundant power supplies, fire-protection systems, and security facilities. Data centers are explicitly prohibited in every zone
The prohibition takes effect immediately upon final passage and publication according to law, leaving no ordinance-provided transition period. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately
Sources
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