Data Center Panic Meets Pushback at AFP-NH Roundtable
Residents in Nottingham, NH, successfully opposed a potential data center, leading to its withdrawal, while Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington proposed a statewide moratorium on such facilities. Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire hosted a forum to counter misconceptions about data centers' economic benefits, water, and power usage. The debate highlights differing views on data centers' impact and regulatory approaches in New Hampshire, including a state law allowing off-grid power for facilities.
Residents in Nottingham, New Hampshire, expressed overwhelming opposition to a proposed data center, leading the proposal to be withdrawn before reaching a formal application stage. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington capitalized on this sentiment, calling for a statewide moratorium on large-scale data centers to allow for a thorough evaluation of their impacts and the development of a "Community Bill of Rights" regulatory framework.
In response to what they described as misconceptions and misinformation, Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire (AFP-NH) hosted a roundtable discussion. Panelists, including state Rep. Tanya Donnelly (R-Salem) and Drew Cline, president of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, argued that data centers are not new to the state, have exaggerated water usage compared to other industries, and have evolved technologically to be more efficient. They also emphasized the significant property tax revenue data centers generate without heavy reliance on municipal services.
Regarding energy concerns, Cline suggested legislative solutions over outright bans. The discussion acknowledged New Hampshire's high electricity costs and limited land supply might prevent it from becoming a major data center hub, but warned against entirely abandoning the sector. Governor Kelly Ayotte previously signed HB 672, the "Bring Your Own Power Law," allowing data centers to generate their own off-grid electricity, a move criticized by Warmington for potentially attracting more data centers and cryptominers.
The AFP roundtable also framed some opposition as an orchestrated campaign by environmental groups, alleging it is driven by fundraising motives. The ongoing debate underscores a significant political and economic tension in New Hampshire concerning the future of data center development.