Brookhaven Eyes Pause On AI Data Centers

The Brookhaven Town Board in New York is considering an 18-month moratorium on artificial intelligence data centers, prompted by a public outcry over potential environmental impacts, strain on the electric grid, increased utility costs, and concerns about Long Island's drinking water supply. Supervisor Dan Panico initiated the proposal after what he called "misinformation" sparked resident protests at a recent town board meeting.

Panico has directed the town's Industrial Development Agency and Planning Board to refuse AI data center proposals during the evaluation period and is collaborating with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine to develop a regional strategy. He emphasized that Long Island, already facing high electric rates and generation challenges, may not be suitable for such energy-intensive facilities without broader oversight. Residents, including Monique Fitzgerald of the Setalcott Nation and Sonja Urrico of Yaphank, voiced strong opposition, advocating for a permanent ban rather than a temporary pause, citing fears of rising costs and groundwater depletion.

Panico called on Governor Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to establish a statewide framework to address the significant power and water demands of modern data centers, arguing that local decisions alone are insufficient. While Brookhaven National Laboratory was previously considered by the U.S. Department of Energy for a data center project, Panico noted that another entity is in discussions with the Long Island Power Authority and New York Independent System Operator regarding electrical capacity for a potential proposal somewhere in Brookhaven. A public hearing on the proposed moratorium is set for July 16 at Town Hall in Farmingville.