Conversations with the candidates: Ayotte on energy, housing, and childcare
Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she plans to propose a statewide moratorium on new data centers in New Hampshire as part of her upcoming budget. She cited concerns about the facilities’ electricity and water demands, environmental effects and noise, and said she has opposed proposals in Nottingham and Bow.
New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she intends to seek a statewide moratorium on data center development through the state budget. She argued that data centers could increase pressure on the region’s electric grid and raise energy costs, while also creating concerns involving water use, environmental impacts and noise.
Ayotte said she has opposed potential data center proposals in Nottingham and Bow, although she said those projects were not, to her knowledge, close to moving forward. She plans to work with the Legislature to advance the moratorium, framing it as a way to protect New Hampshire communities while the state addresses broader energy needs.