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Floodlight

@floodlightnews.org
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Investigating the powers stalling climate action

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Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 2h
Last month, Floodlight used a thermal drone to find DataOne's data center in Vineland, NJ, running at least 45 gas-powered generators without a state permit. Now, New Jersey regulators have issued their largest-ever fine against a data center.
floodlightnews.org
New Jersey says DataOne’s 62 generators are illegal. It’s letting them run for 45 more days.
The state's $1 million fine comes less than a month after Floodlight’s visual investigation publicly exposed the Vineland site’s generator fleet for the first time
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Reposted by Floodlight
Brad Racino @bradracino.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Last month, we flew our thermal drone over NJ's largest data center and found it operating a fleet of unpermitted generators. Now, on the heels of that investigation, state regulators have issued that facility their largest-ever fine against a data center. floodlightnews.org/new-jersey-d...
floodlightnews.org
New Jersey says DataOne’s 62 generators are illegal. It’s letting them run for 45 more days.
The state's $1 million fine comes less than a month after Floodlight’s visual investigation publicly exposed the Vineland site’s generator fleet for the first time
22518
Reposted by Floodlight
West Virginia Watch @westvirginiawatch.com · 28/09/2026
From @floodlightnews.org: Across much of the U.S., people have little way to know when the air they breathe turns dangerous.
westvirginiawatch.com
America’s air monitors are disappearing. So is your power to expose polluters.
0811
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 3h
The chemical industry doesn't want you to be able to prove what pollution is in your air. We spent months documenting how.
floodlightnews.org
America’s air monitors are disappearing. So is your power to expose polluters.
Across several states, a quiet chemical industry campaign is making it harder to hold polluters accountable.
074
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 23/09/2026
New Jersey says DataOne’s 62 generators are illegal. It’s letting them run for 45 more days. 🗞️
floodlightnews.org
New Jersey says DataOne’s 62 generators are illegal. It’s letting them run for 45 more days.
The enforcement action comes less than a month after Floodlight’s visual investigation publicly exposed the Vineland site’s generator fleet for the first time
01311
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 20/09/2026
Louisiana's Isle de Jean Charles, once 22,000 acres, is now just 320. When rising waters consumed their homeland, the island's Indigenous residents moved to a new government-funded settlement. But their “safe” homes already leak, crack, and fail.
floodlightnews.org
As millions face climate relocation, the nation’s first attempt sparks warnings and regret
Three years after a federally funded move, Indigenous residents of Louisiana’s Isle de Jean Charles report broken homes — and promises
159
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 19/09/2026
America's air monitors are disappearing. So people are buying their own. The problem? The chemical industry is working to make sure that data can't be used against polluters. floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-mo...
floodlightnews.org
https://floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-monitoring-decline/
042
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 19/09/2026
At least $1.1 million. That’s how much judges in Louisiana oil cases have made from oil-linked investments. Yes, you read that right: while profiting from oil firms, they were also hearing cases involving those same companies.
floodlightnews.org
Judges overseeing Louisiana's landmark oil cases have financial stakes in defendants
Federal judges held stock, bonds and leased mineral rights to Exxon, Chevron and others while hearing cases against the companies alleging damage to the La. coast.
035
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 18/09/2026
We flew a thermal drone over one of the largest data centers planned on the East Coast. What we found: 60+ unpermitted generators, tractor-trailer-sized, burning a mile from two schools. floodlightnews.org/new-jersey-d...
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Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 17/09/2026
It’s easy to buy an air pollution sensor and measure the air outside your house. But in three states, industry-backed laws now say that data doesn't count. floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-mo...
floodlightnews.org
https://floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-monitoring-decline/
021
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 17/09/2026
Judges in Louisiana have made at least $1.1 million from investments in oil and petrochemical firms. So what happens when the companies they've invested in end up in their courtrooms?
floodlightnews.org
Judges overseeing Louisiana's landmark oil cases have financial stakes in defendants
Federal judges held stock, bonds and leased mineral rights to Exxon, Chevron and others while hearing cases against the companies alleging damage to the La. coast.
0114
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 16/09/2026
Cities are getting hotter. And there’s one simple fix on the table: reflective roofs. So why is a powerful industry fighting to stop them?
floodlightnews.org
This little-known ‘dark roof’ lobby may be making your city hotter
As cities heat up, reflective roofs could lower energy bills and help the climate. But dark roofing manufacturers are waging a quiet campaign to block new rules.
174
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 16/09/2026
Some government air pollution monitors are riddled with termites and patched with parts from eBay. Communities are trying to fill the gap — but now industry-backed laws in three states say their data can't be used against polluters. floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-mo...
floodlightnews.org
https://floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-monitoring-decline/
000
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 15/09/2026
After Hurricane Sandy, NYC began installing major flood protections around Lower Manhattan. But in one Queens neighborhood devastated by the superstorm, residents say little has changed. “Why is Edgemere different? Because we don't have Wall Street here?”
floodlightnews.org
‘We are forgotten here’: As NYC builds seawalls, this Queens community feels left behind.
A decade after city officials promised to cut flood risks in the Edgemere neighborhood, critics say it remains just as vulnerable.
020
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 15/09/2026
Thermal drone footage shows the Microsoft-backed DataOne AI data center in Vineland, NJ is running dozens of gas generators. None of them have permits.
floodlightnews.org
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law'
Thermal drone footage shows DataOne — the Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland — is powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
073
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 14/09/2026
Wildfire smoke is spreading, data centers are adding pollution, and heat waves are worsening ozone levels. It matters more than ever to know what's in your air. The problem? The network built to tell you has lost nearly half its monitors. floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-mo...
floodlightnews.org
https://floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-monitoring-decline/
041
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 13/09/2026
One of Louisiana's biggest chemical plants emits a known carcinogen and chemicals that can damage the nervous system. The nearest air monitoring station doesn't test for any of them.
floodlightnews.org
Louisiana communities are left in the dark on toxic air — and industry helped keep it that way
The state’s air monitors are often miles from its biggest polluters and residents have little way of knowing what they’re breathing. That’s no accident.
024
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 12/09/2026
You probably don’t know what you’re breathing. They want it that way. floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-mo...
floodlightnews.org
https://floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-monitoring-decline/
021
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 12/09/2026
At least 3,650 acres. That’s how large Meta’s Hyperion data center is expected to be in rural Louisiana. A Floodlight investigation found that one of the project’s biggest political supporters, State Sen. Jay Morris, was also making land deals around the development as it moved forward.
floodlightnews.org
Louisiana senator helped secure Meta's largest data center. Then he sold the land beside it.
State senator John “Jay” Morris helped bring Meta’s Hyperion project to Richland Parish. Here’s what he did with his land — before and after Meta’s announcement.
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Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 11/09/2026
New to Floodlight? 👋 We’re an investigative nonprofit newsroom that focuses on climate accountability. Sign up for our twice-monthly newsletter and join a community of readers who want the inside story on who’s stalling climate action:
floodlightnews.org
Sign up for our newsletter
Want to manage your newsletter settings? Follow this link and sign in. Newsletter archive: We just caught another data center…Thermal drone footage shows the Microsoft-backed AI data center is…
021
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 11/09/2026
This summer we found Louisiana's air monitors often sit miles from its biggest polluters — and don't test for what those plants release. Then we wondered: Is this a Louisiana problem or an everywhere problem? Here’s what we found 👇 floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-mo...
floodlightnews.org
https://floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-monitoring-decline/
020
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 11/09/2026
Who needs a permit when you can just truck in 62 gas generators and start burning? Thermal drone footage from Floodlight shows dozens running at a data center in Vineland, NJ — built to serve Microsoft under a $17 billion contract. None of them have a permit, and they lie a mile from two schools.
floodlightnews.org
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law'
Thermal drone footage shows DataOne — the Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland — is powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
043
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 10/09/2026
Termites. Scrounging for parts on eBay. This is the state of America's early-warning system for toxic air. floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-mo...
floodlightnews.org
https://floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-monitoring-decline/
100
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 10/09/2026
“The loss of this access means a lot to me and everybody else... The fate of our public lands and our rights are in jeopardy right now.” How did the influence of a luxury resort lock the public out of Montana’s mountains?
floodlightnews.org
Trump officials, billionaires and the quiet reshaping of America's public lands
A controversial land swap orchestrated by the megarich could be “a harbinger of what’s to come” for public lands under Trump.
042
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 09/09/2026
The chemical industry doesn't want you to be able to prove what pollution is in your air. We spent months documenting how. floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-mo...
floodlightnews.org
https://floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-monitoring-decline/
013
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 09/09/2026
We flew a thermal drone over one of the largest data centers planned on the East Coast. What we found: 60+ unpermitted generators, tractor-trailer-sized, burning a mile from two schools. floodlightnews.org/new-jersey-d...
172
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 09/09/2026
America’s air monitors are disappearing. So is your power to expose polluters. 🗞️ floodlightnews.org/toxic-air-mo...
floodlightnews.org
America’s air monitors are disappearing. So is your power to expose polluters.
Across several states, a quiet chemical industry campaign is making it harder to hold polluters accountable.
0116
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 08/09/2026
The U.S. universities that have taken the most money from fossil fuel companies: UC Berkeley: $154,302,577 U Illinois Urbana-Champaign: $108,221,802 George Mason: $63,935,218 Stanford: $56,622,194 UT Austin: $45,421,866 LSU: $44,211,304
floodlightnews.org
Fueling Knowledge: Oil and gas money shapes research, creates ‘echo chamber’ in higher education
Louisiana’s flagship university is looking to partner more closely with petrochemical industries in the state
042
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 07/09/2026
Louisiana’s Isle de Jean Charles became the first federally-funded climate relocation in the U.S. Floodlight went to hear how the new community is already failing its residents: “They went ahead and built houses. But they forgot they were building homes.”
youtube.com
We Investigated America's First Climate Relocation Program. What We Found Will Shock You.
Louisiana's Isle de Jean Charles is so vulnerable to sea level rise the island became the focus of the first federally funded climate driven relocation project in U.S. history. Once a symbol of…
078
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 07/09/2026
The largest planned AI datacenter in New Jersey is being accused of violating federal law after we flew a thermal drone and found the site running dozens of unpermitted gas-powered generators.
floodlightnews.org
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law'
Thermal drone footage shows DataOne — the Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland — is powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
17138
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 03/09/2026
Louisiana's Isle de Jean Charles, once 22,000 acres, is now just 320. When rising waters consumed their homeland, the island's Indigenous residents moved to a new government-funded settlement. But their “safe” homes already leak, crack, and fail.
floodlightnews.org
As millions face climate relocation, the nation’s first attempt sparks warnings and regret
Three years after a federally funded move, Indigenous residents of Louisiana’s Isle de Jean Charles report broken homes — and promises
022
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 03/09/2026
Who needs a permit when you can just truck in 62 gas generators and start burning? Thermal drone footage from Floodlight shows dozens running at a data center in Vineland, NJ — built to serve Microsoft under a $17 billion contract. None of them have a permit, and they lie a mile from two schools.
floodlightnews.org
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law'
Thermal drone footage shows DataOne — the Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland — is powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
062
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 02/09/2026
After Hurricane Sandy, NYC began installing major flood protections around Lower Manhattan. But in one Queens neighborhood devastated by the superstorm, residents say little has changed. “Why is Edgemere different? Because we don't have Wall Street here?”
floodlightnews.org
‘We are forgotten here’: As NYC builds seawalls, this Queens community feels left behind.
A decade after city officials promised to cut flood risks in the Edgemere neighborhood, critics say it remains just as vulnerable.
035
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 01/09/2026
At least 3,650 acres. That’s how large Meta’s Hyperion data center is expected to be in rural Louisiana. A Floodlight investigation found that one of the project’s biggest political supporters, State Sen. Jay Morris, was also making land deals around the development as it moved forward.
floodlightnews.org
Louisiana senator helped secure Meta's largest data center. Then he sold the land beside it.
State senator John “Jay” Morris helped bring Meta’s Hyperion project to Richland Parish. Here’s what he did with his land — before and after Meta’s announcement.
072
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 01/09/2026
The largest planned AI datacenter in New Jersey is being accused of violating federal law after we flew a thermal drone and found the site running dozens of unpermitted gas-powered generators.
floodlightnews.org
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law'
Thermal drone footage shows DataOne — the Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland — is powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
1139
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 31/08/2026
One of Louisiana's biggest chemical plants emits a known carcinogen and chemicals that can damage the nervous system. The nearest air monitoring station doesn't test for any of them.
floodlightnews.org
Louisiana communities are left in the dark on toxic air — and industry helped keep it that way
The state’s air monitors are often miles from its biggest polluters and residents have little way of knowing what they’re breathing. That’s no accident.
012
Reposted by Floodlight
Alex Ip 葉清霖 @alexip718.com · 29/08/2026
This series was my graduate thesis at @mitsciwrite.bsky.social. Student journalism matters! Although there is only one byline, this work wouldn't have been possible without @tomlevenson.bsky.social @amywestervelt.bsky.social @floodlightnews.org @drilledmedia.bsky.social @deceleration.news and more:
thexylom.com
"All Hell Breaks Loose": How Big Oil Ruined a Small Texas Town
Three export terminals that captured half of the U.S. crude oil export industry have formed around Ingleside on the Bay, turning the Texas Coastal Bend town into an unlikely fenceline community.
16916
Reposted by Floodlight
Rachel Maddow @maddow.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
"The largest planned AI data center in New Jersey is accused of violating federal law... "Located roughly a mile from two schools... "Running dozens of tractor-trailer-size gas-powered generators... "None have permits... floodlightnews.org/new-jersey-d...
floodlightnews.org
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law'
Thermal drone footage shows DataOne — the Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland — is powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
981720861
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 30/08/2026
New to Floodlight? 👋 We’re an investigative nonprofit newsroom that focuses on climate accountability. Sign up for our twice-monthly newsletter and join a community of readers who want the inside story on who’s stalling climate action:
floodlightnews.org
Sign up for our newsletter
Want to manage your newsletter settings? Follow this link and sign in. Newsletter archive: We just caught another data center…Thermal drone footage shows the Microsoft-backed AI data center is…
095
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 30/08/2026
Who needs a permit when you can just truck in 62 gas generators and start burning? Thermal drone footage from Floodlight shows dozens running at a data center in Vineland, NJ — built to serve Microsoft under a $17 billion contract. None of them have a permit, and they lie a mile from two schools.
floodlightnews.org
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law'
Thermal drone footage shows DataOne — the Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland — is powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
1116
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 29/08/2026
We're hiring! :mega: Floodlight is looking for an Operations and Development Coordinator to keep our small, remote newsroom running and help power the fundraising behind our journalism. Learn more and apply:
floodlightnews.org
Operations and Development Coordinator
SUMMARY Floodlight is hiring an operations and development coordinator to keep our small, remote newsroom running smoothly and to help power the fundraising that makes our journalism possible. This…
052
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 28/08/2026
“The loss of this access means a lot to me and everybody else... The fate of our public lands and our rights are in jeopardy right now.” How did the influence of a luxury resort lock the public out of Montana’s mountains?
floodlightnews.org
Trump officials, billionaires and the quiet reshaping of America's public lands
A controversial land swap orchestrated by the megarich could be “a harbinger of what’s to come” for public lands under Trump.
084
Reposted by Floodlight
Brad Racino @bradracino.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
We're making a habit of catching these guys ... www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
One of east coast’s largest datacenters accused of ‘violating federal law’
Thermal drone footage shows a Microsoft-backed AI datacenter powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
0104
Reposted by Floodlight
Rightardia @rightardia.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
"The largest planned AI datacenter in New Jersey is being accused of violating federal law after a visual investigation found the site running dozens of unpermitted gas-powered generators."
theguardian.com
One of east coast’s largest datacenters accused of ‘violating federal law’
Thermal drone footage shows a Microsoft-backed AI datacenter powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
14529
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 28/08/2026
We flew a thermal drone over one of the largest data centers planned on the East Coast. What we found: 60+ unpermitted generators, tractor-trailer-sized, burning a mile from two schools. floodlightnews.org/new-jersey-d...
02620
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 27/08/2026
NEW: Thermal drone footage shows the Microsoft-backed DataOne AI data center in Vineland, NJ is running dozens of gas generators. None of them have permits. A Floodlight visual investigation with @us.theguardian.com:
floodlightnews.org
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law’
Thermal drone footage shows DataOne — the Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland — is powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
6823931201
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 27/08/2026
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law’ 🗞️ floodlightnews.org/new-jersey-d...
floodlightnews.org
One of East Coast’s largest data centers accused of ‘violating federal law’
Thermal drone footage shows DataOne — the Microsoft-backed AI data center in Vineland — is powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generators
051
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 27/08/2026
We're hiring! 📣 Floodlight is looking for an Operations and Development Coordinator to keep our small, remote newsroom running and help power the fundraising behind our journalism. Learn more and apply:
floodlightnews.org
Operations and Development Coordinator
SUMMARY Floodlight is hiring an operations and development coordinator to keep our small, remote newsroom running smoothly and to help power the fundraising that makes our journalism possible. This…
022
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 26/08/2026
The EPA operates 26 stations across the U.S. that monitor toxic air pollutants. How many are in Louisiana and Texas, two of the states with the nation's largest toxic emissions? Zero.
floodlightnews.org
Louisiana communities are left in the dark on toxic air — and industry helped keep it that way
The state’s air monitors are often miles from its biggest polluters and residents have little way of knowing what they’re breathing. That’s no accident.
131
Floodlight @floodlightnews.org · 23/08/2026
The U.S. universities that have taken the most money from fossil fuel companies: UC Berkeley: $154,302,577 U Illinois Urbana-Champaign: $108,221,802 George Mason: $63,935,218 Stanford: $56,622,194 UT Austin: $45,421,866 LSU: $44,211,304
floodlightnews.org
Fueling Knowledge: Oil and gas money shapes research, creates ‘echo chamber’ in higher education
Louisiana’s flagship university is looking to partner more closely with petrochemical industries in the state
0137