New Jersey Assembly Bill A1170 (2026-2027) proposes requiring artificial intelligence data centers to submit an energy usage plan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) [1]. This legislation further stipulates that all electricity consumed by these centers must originate from new clean energy sources [2]. The bill is currently assigned to a committee for review.

Who does A1170 affect?

This bill primarily affects entities proposing to construct or operate artificial intelligence data centers within New Jersey. The scope includes organizations in technology, cloud computing, and AI development that require substantial computational infrastructure. Considerations include the long-term energy sourcing strategies and the financial implications of developing or procuring new clean energy. This also impacts infrastructure planners and compliance functions responsible for energy and environmental regulations.

What is the current status of A1170?

As of the last published update, A1170 is at the "introduced" stage, with bill status "ATU".

Where can I find the primary source for A1170?

The primary source for the most recent update is at https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1170. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill.

NJ, US · AI law tracker

A1170 — NJ, US

A1170 is an AI governance legislation from NJ, currently introduced. New Jersey A1170 would mandate energy usage plans and new clean energy sourcing for AI data centers [1]. AIGI tracks 1 primary-source update on this bill; the most recent was published on 2026-01-13.

Status & timeline

Regulatory stage: introduced
Bill status: ATU
Authority / governing body: New Jersey State Legislature
Document type: legislation

Next deadline: No fixed deadline — effective upon enactment, if passed.

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Full obligation matrix

Actor	Obligation	Deadline	Source
deployer	Submit an energy usage plan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for proposed artificial intelligence data centers.	prior to construction/operation of proposed AI data centers (upon enactment)	—
deployer	Ensure all electricity for artificial intelligence data centers is derived from new clean energy sources.	upon enactment and operation of AI data centers	—

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Enforcement risk score

/ 100

Announced regulation; enforcement footprint still forming.

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Role-based compliance checklist

compliance_officer Monitor the status of New Jersey Assembly Bill A1170 (and its identical bill S680) in the legislature. (ongoing)
engineering Assess current and planned energy consumption for existing and proposed AI data centers in New Jersey. (upon enactment)
product_manager Evaluate options for sourcing new clean energy to power AI data center operations in New Jersey. (upon enactment)
general_counsel Prepare to develop and submit an energy usage plan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for any proposed AI data centers in New Jersey. (upon enactment and prior to proposing new AI data centers)

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Vendor impact assessment

Vendor risk class: high
Procurement categories: infrastructure, energy

Vendors providing AI data center services or infrastructure in New Jersey must ensure their operations comply with new clean energy requirements and be prepared to provide detailed energy usage plans to regulators. This could significantly impact procurement decisions and operational costs for clients.

Sample vendor questions

How does your data center energy sourcing strategy comply with clean energy mandates for AI infrastructure?
Do you have established processes for submitting energy usage plans to regulatory bodies like the BPU?
Can you provide details on the environmental impact and carbon footprint associated with your AI data center operations in New Jersey?
What is your timeline and capacity for transitioning to new clean energy sources for data center electricity?
How will these requirements affect the cost and availability of AI data center services in New Jersey?

Intelligence briefs (1)

legislation ATU 1/13/2026

New Jersey Bill Mandates Clean Energy Plans for AI Data Centers

New Jersey A1170 would mandate energy usage plans and new clean energy sourcing for AI data centers [1].

This development introduces an environmental and infrastructure obligation for AI deployers with significant computational needs, affecting future data center siting.

Deadline: No fixed deadline — effective upon enactment, if passed.

Primary source →

Frequently asked questions

What is A1170?: New Jersey Assembly Bill A1170 (2026-2027) proposes requiring artificial intelligence data centers to submit an energy usage plan to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) [1]. This legislation further stipulates that all electricity consumed by these centers must originate from new clean energy sources [2]. The bill is currently assigned to a committee for review. Primary source →
Why does A1170 matter?: This development introduces an environmental and infrastructure obligation for AI deployers with significant computational needs, affecting future data center siting. Primary source →
Who does A1170 affect?: This bill primarily affects entities proposing to construct or operate artificial intelligence data centers within New Jersey. The scope includes organizations in technology, cloud computing, and AI development that require substantial computational infrastructure. Considerations include the long-term energy sourcing strategies and the financial implications of developing or procuring new clean energy. This also impacts infrastructure planners and compliance functions responsible for energy and environmental regulations. Primary source →
What are the key dates for A1170?: No fixed deadline — effective upon enactment, if passed. Primary source →
What is the current status of A1170?: As of the last published update, A1170 is at the "introduced" stage, with bill status "ATU". Primary source →
Where can I find the primary source for A1170?: The primary source for the most recent update is at https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1170. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill. Primary source →

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Important — about this brief

This brief is published by AIGI as a regulatory intelligence service. It contains general information about AI laws, regulations, enforcement actions, and policy signals across jurisdictions. It is not legal, compliance, audit, or risk-management advice; it does not establish an attorney-client, advisory, or fiduciary relationship; and it should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counsel applied to specific facts and circumstances. Where the brief identifies “Issues for Review,” those are observations of questions a reader in a particular role might raise with their own legal, compliance, or risk function — not recommendations to act. AIGI expressly disclaims liability for actions taken or not taken in reliance on this brief. Subscribers in regulated industries should consult licensed professionals authorized to practice in their jurisdiction.

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Status & timeline

Intelligence briefs (1)

New Jersey Bill Mandates Clean Energy Plans for AI Data Centers

Frequently asked questions

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