Buffalo delays data center moratorium vote, creates 9-member task force
Buffalo lawmakers are moving to implement a two-year moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency facilities, but have delayed a full vote to create a nine-member task force. This task force will study regulations and update the city's zoning rules for the industry. The amended resolution, including the task force, is expected to be voted on in about two weeks.
The Buffalo Common Council is progressing towards a two-year moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency facilities, though a full vote has been delayed. The Council voted Tuesday to move forward with the moratorium, but with an amendment establishing a new nine-member task force.
According to Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope, the task force will consist of subject matter experts, including the city planner, climate action manager, environmental advocates, residents, and business community members. Their goal is to study the industry and develop recommendations to update Buffalo's zoning and other regulations before new facilities are allowed to proceed. North District Councilmember Joseph Golombek, the resolution's sponsor, called this a compromise to address gaps in the current zoning code.
The debate extends beyond Buffalo, with Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon noting a broader "reckoning" between corporate developers and local governments to balance data infrastructure needs with community concerns. Community advocate Majadi Baruti of Push Buffalo voiced concerns about existing neighborhoods bearing the costs of development. Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan also expressed support for safeguards and was developing a local moratorium, supporting the state's Responsible Data Center Development Act.
The task force would have most of the two-year period to formulate recommendations, which the city aims to implement before the proposed moratorium expires. Governor Kathy Hochul previously signed a statewide one-year moratorium in July.