Nottingham’s 12-month moratorium on data center construction heads to a town vote

The Nottingham planning board has unanimously voted to advance a measure proposing a 12-month moratorium on data center construction within the town. This decision was made during a Wednesday meeting and follows significant public backlash against a now-withdrawn data center proposal in May. The temporary ordinance aims to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare, as well as the regional watershed, while providing the town with adequate time to study the potential land use, environmental, infrastructure, and fiscal impacts of data centers.

According to Planning Board Chair Drew Stevens, the one-year moratorium will enable the town to explore and implement potential zoning changes that could lead to a permanent ban on data centers. Approximately 30 members of the public attended the meeting, expressing fears about the negative impact on the community's quality of life. Concerns centered on the vast water usage of data centers, which can consume up to 5 million gallons daily (equivalent to a town of 50,000 people, far exceeding Nottingham's population of 5,200), exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions, as highlighted by local cattle farmer Conrad Mansager.

Residents also voiced worries about increased ambient land temperature and noise pollution, particularly during extreme heat events that can strain energy grids and diminish air quality. The original developer, whose plan was tabled, is reportedly considering reintroducing the project. The Nottingham select board is expected to determine the date for a special town meeting where residents will vote on the proposed moratorium.