The "Responsible Data Center Development and Resource Protection Act" establishes a framework for the siting, land use approval, energy sourcing, water use, and environmental impacts of large load data centers in New Jersey. It requires developers to submit a Data Center Resource Impact Statement to state agencies and the host municipality before seeking preliminary site plan or subdivision approval. This statement must detail projected electricity and water usage, environmental impacts, and economic development implications. The bill emphasizes the need for alternative electricity generation to offset demand and prioritizes the review of impact statements for sites in environmentally sensitive areas.

Additionally, the legislation introduces a voluntary Responsible Data Center Certification Program to encourage adherence to enhanced development standards. It mandates that the State Planning Commission review the impact statement within 60 days, with automatic approval if no decision is made in that timeframe. The bill establishes a permit system for water diversions exceeding 100,000 gallons per day and prohibits municipalities from granting preliminary site plan approvals for large load data centers without an approved impact statement. It also includes provisions for community benefits agreements for developers receiving economic subsidies and requires the creation of a public online portal to provide information on large load data centers in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40:55D-46, 40:55D-48