Woodbury Mayoral Candidates Address Data Center Growth and Water Planning
Woodbury mayoral candidates discussed their priorities, including the city’s long-term drinking-water costs and oversight of data center growth. John Sebastian said the existing data center moratorium is appropriate and called for rules based on full-buildout power demand, water use, noise, and infrastructure costs.
Woodbury mayoral candidates answered questions about their records and priorities, although candidate Anne Burt had not submitted responses by publication. Candidate John Sebastian emphasized government transparency, sustainable water planning and public engagement as key priorities for the next four years.
Sebastian said Woodbury’s $330 million PFAS treatment investment requires a clear plan for long-term operating costs. He also said the city’s current data center moratorium is an appropriate first step, but argued that officials should assess the potential power consumption of facilities already approved before considering new projects.
For future data centers, Sebastian proposed thresholds based on maximum power demand and additional disclosures covering full-buildout water use, cooling chemicals, drought conservation, noise, electrical interconnection and infrastructure costs. He also called for advance notice to nearby residents and a more transparent review process.