As Data Centers Multiply and Strain Energy Grids Nationwide, New Model Laws Will Help Cities and States Erect Guardrails
The Model Climate Laws Initiative released model state and local legislation to help governments regulate data center growth and address impacts on electricity grids, water resources, land use and consumers. The announcement comes as New York implements a statewide moratorium on new large-scale data centers and governments nationwide consider data center safeguards.
The Model Climate Laws Initiative, a joint effort of Environmental Advocates NY and Columbia Law School’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, released two model laws intended to guide state and local responses to rapidly expanding data center development. The package includes a local framework covering zoning, renewable energy requirements, water-use caps and noise controls, along with the CLEAN GRID Act for state-level energy and emissions accountability.
Jon Binder, executive director of the initiative, said the proposals are designed to help governments capture economic benefits without overburdening power systems, consumers or natural resources. Environmental Advocates NY Executive Director Vanessa Fajans-Turner said the models would give lawmakers and agencies tools to address climate, environmental and energy challenges.
The initiative cited growing demands on electricity, water and land across the country. It also noted that New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a statewide moratorium on new large-scale data centers in July, while emphasizing that the model legislation could help agencies establish standards for future projects.