St. Lawrence County passes resolution on data centers, stops short of moratorium
The St. Lawrence County Legislature passed a resolution concerning data centers, opting to recommend local towns and villages consider moratoriums rather than enacting a county-wide ban due to legal limitations. Residents expressed concerns about health and environmental impacts, while state lawmakers in Albany are considering a one-year statewide moratorium.
The St. Lawrence County Legislature has passed a resolution regarding data centers, stopping short of enacting a county-wide moratorium. Instead, the resolution recommends that local towns and villages within the county consider implementing their own moratoriums on data center development.
County Attorney Stephen Button advised the legislature against a county-level moratorium, citing legal prohibitions against one municipality imposing its will on another. The resolution also includes a request to the state to ensure local governments retain control over data center placement in their communities, a sentiment echoed by Legislator Margaret Haggard.
During the meeting, residents voiced concerns about potential health and environmental impacts of data centers, as well as the broader implications of AI technology. However, the resolution was not unanimously supported, with three legislators voting against it. Legislator James Reagen argued that a restrictive stance could deter significant investment and job creation in St. Lawrence County.
Concurrently, lawmakers in Albany are considering a separate one-year moratorium on data centers across New York state to allow time for a comprehensive study of their environmental and electricity consumption impacts.