Data Center Moratorium Proposed in Orangetown
A moratorium on new data center construction is proposed in Orangetown, NY, drawing significant public support due to resident concerns about noise and environmental impact, especially regarding Databank's Phase 2 expansion. While the local moratorium is being drafted and would not apply to existing projects, a similar statewide bill awaits gubernatorial approval. Local officials are urging residents to voice their concerns at planning board meetings.
Orangetown, NY, is considering a proposed moratorium on new data center construction, garnering strong support from local residents and the Data Center Crisis Coalition. Citizens voiced concerns about noise pollution from existing facilities, such as the Bloomberg data center, with one resident reporting noise levels up to 80 decibels.
The proposed moratorium, currently being drafted by the Orangetown town board in collaboration with consulting firm AKRF, would apply to future data center proposals. However, it would not impact existing projects, including Databank's Phase 2 expansion, which is planned near Lake Tappan, a critical reservoir. Orangetown Supervisor Kenny emphasized that decisions regarding the Databank project rest with the planning board, not the town board, and encouraged residents to attend upcoming planning board meetings. This local initiative comes as a state-wide data center moratorium bill has passed both the State Assembly and New York House of Representatives and awaits Governor Hochul's signature or veto.