Across Connecticut, anxiety fuels data center backlash
Connecticut municipalities are adopting moratoriums and outright bans on data center development despite few, if any, active proposals for new facilities. East Lyme approved an indefinite ban, while New Haven and Morris adopted temporary restrictions amid concerns about pollution, energy use and utility infrastructure.
Municipalities across Connecticut are moving to restrict data center development before specific projects have been proposed. The East Lyme Zoning Commission unanimously adopted an indefinite ban, while New Haven approved a one-year moratorium with an exemption for its existing quantum computing hub and Morris adopted a two-year ban.
East Lyme Zoning Commission Chairwoman Anne Thurlow said the restrictions could be reversed if officials learn that data centers do not pose the anticipated environmental and energy risks. Temple University professor Subodha Kumar said Connecticut’s political resistance is notable because it has emerged ahead of actual development plans. The state has attracted relatively little data center investment because of high electricity costs, limited utility infrastructure and the difficulty of assembling large sites.