Albany Common Council backs proposed one-year state moratorium on data centers
Albany's Common Council has voted 12-0 to support a proposed one-year statewide moratorium on data centers in New York. This decision followed a protest by the No Kings Collective and local residents, who expressed concerns about potential environmental impacts, increased electricity rates, and significant water usage by such facilities. The resolution serves to pressure Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the moratorium bill, which has already passed both chambers of the state legislature.
The Albany Common Council voted unanimously (12-0, with one abstention) to endorse a proposed one-year statewide moratorium on data center development in New York. This action followed a demonstration organized by No Kings Collective, where residents urged city leaders to take a stance against the potential local impacts of large-scale data centers.
During the protest and council meeting, Albany resident Henry Phillips articulated several concerns, including the likelihood of increased electricity rates, significant water consumption, noise pollution, and minimal job creation. He also noted that data center construction would necessitate zoning changes. Councilmember Deborah Zamer highlighted the uncertainty surrounding potential data center proposals, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive community plan rather than addressing projects individually.
The resolution passed by the Common Council does not impose a local ban but rather signals support for a bill that has already passed both chambers of the state Legislature. Advocates like Bryan Paz-Hernandez of No Kings Collective stressed that the resolution is intended to exert pressure on Governor Kathy Hochul, who has yet to sign the moratorium bill into law. Residents affirm their commitment to continued advocacy against data centers both in Albany and across the state, citing their role in environmental issues and arguing that increased electricity supply should prioritize people over data centers.