Newfield approves one-year moratorium on data centers

The Newfield Town Board in Tompkins County, New York, unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations at its July 9 meeting. This measure, proposed at a June 11 meeting, aims to provide town officials with time to study the potential environmental and electric grid impacts of such projects before implementing permanent regulations. Town Supervisor Mike Allinger stated the moratorium is a preventative measure to establish guidelines for data center development or potential prohibition, citing the town's lack of existing zoning laws.

Newfield's decision mirrors actions taken by other municipalities in Tompkins County, including the towns of Dryden, Ulysses, and Danby, which have moved to restrict or ban data centers. These local efforts are largely driven by concerns over an artificial intelligence data center proposed by TeraWulf at the former Cayuga Power Plant in Lansing, a project that has garnered over 21,000 petition signatures in opposition. TeraWulf had previously threatened litigation against the Lansing Town Board over a similar moratorium proposal, leading to its withdrawal.

The local moratorium also comes as a statewide bill, passed by state lawmakers including Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles, awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature. This bill would enact a one-year statewide moratorium on new data center permits and set renewable energy goals. Newfield Town Board members Christine Seamon and Casey Powers highlighted concerns about water and energy supply strain, noise, and light pollution, while Joanne James advocated for an outright ban due to impacts on natural resources and the aging electrical grid. Board member Heather McCarty, however, expressed reservations about a complete ban, acknowledging the widespread use of technology supported by data centers.