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.
Stafford Township
Strongly Anti-Data Center Policies
Stafford Township’s enacted ordinance prohibits data centers from operating anywhere in the township, including both new facilities and continued operation; its description inconsistently calls it proposed.
current law · Stafford TownshipThis ordinance amends Stafford Township’s zoning code to prohibit all data centers from operating anywhere in the township.Stafford Township Ordinance No. 2026-22
What this means
If enacted, the proposed ordinance would prohibit data centers from operating anywhere in Stafford Township, blocking new facilities and continued operation there (prohibits data centers from operating anywhere in the Township). This is an outright ban within the township.
People behind it
- Stafford Township Council
Governing body that introduced and passed Ordinance No. 2026-22 on first reading and is responsible for adopting the measure.
- Susan M. Farrell, Township Clerk
Municipal Clerk responsible for transmitting the ordinance to the Township and Ocean County Planning Boards and issuing the required public notice.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements1
Prohibits all defined data centers from operating anywhere in Stafford Township. A data center is defined as a facility primarily used to store, manage, or process digital data, housing associated computer, network, telecommunications, environmental, fire-protection, and security systems, and requesting service of 100 megawatts or more of peak electric load at a single meter location or contiguous facility.
Sources
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