Brookhaven Town leans toward 18-month AI data center moratorium
Brookhaven's town board is expected to approve an 18-month moratorium on AI data center development, following a public hearing. This decision comes amidst growing opposition to a proposed 176.6-megawatt facility in Yaphank, driven by concerns over substantial electricity and water usage. The town's action follows a statewide one-year pause ordered by Gov. Kathy Hochul for similar reasons.
The Brookhaven Town Board on Long Island is poised to approve an 18-month moratorium on AI data center development, which would be the first such ban in the region. The vote follows a public hearing on Thursday evening and addresses mounting opposition to a proposed 176.6-megawatt Brookhaven Digital Infrastructure Facility in Yaphank.
Town officials, including Supervisor Dan Panico, expressed concerns about the massive electrical and water demands of AI data centers, noting that current town codes do not adequately address these facilities. Panico indicated overwhelming support among councilmembers for the moratorium, which he believes will allow time to update town zoning codes. This local initiative comes just after New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered a statewide one-year pause on large data centers to conduct an environmental impact assessment, though Panico confirmed the town's longer moratorium would not be superseded.
Local opposition intensified with the proposal by WF Industrial, also known as Wildflower, to convert a 549,000-square-foot Yaphank warehouse complex into a data center. Michael Bowden, Wildflower's director of development, called the moratorium's timing "unfortunate" but stated the project would proceed, citing its use of a "closed-loop water system" and rain catchment.
Civic and environmental leaders have largely supported the moratorium. Chad Trusnovec, President of the Yaphank Taxpayers & Civic Association, emphasized the need for clearer information on data center impacts. Monique Fitzgerald of the Long Island Progressive Coalition supported the moratorium but advocated for a permanent ban, expressing frustration over the delay in addressing the issue.