Data Center Opposition Emerges as Issue in New Hampshire Gubernatorial Race
New Hampshire gubernatorial candidates, Cindy Warmington and Governor Kelly Ayotte, are addressing growing voter opposition to data centers. Warmington proposes a temporary moratorium on new data center construction, citing concerns over increased electricity rates, noise pollution, and water consumption. Ayotte also acknowledges public concerns regarding high energy costs in the state.
This video reports on the growing opposition to data centers becoming a key issue in the New Hampshire gubernatorial race. During a sizable turnout in Nottingham, community members voiced strong objections to a proposed data center, leading to the plans being withdrawn.
Democratic candidate for governor, Cindy Warmington, a former two-term Executive Councilor, has explicitly aligned with these voters. She stated her intention to push for a temporary moratorium on new data center construction if elected, citing concerns about "extraordinary increases in electric rates," noise pollution, and "massive amounts of water" consumption.
Incumbent Governor Kelly Ayotte has also expressed similar concerns regarding data centers' high energy demands and their impact on residents' energy bills. However, Warmington criticizes Ayotte for not taking concrete action, alleging that Ayotte had opportunities to champion moratorium bills in the legislature but failed to do so.
In response, the Ayotte campaign stated that the Governor has been leading on the issue for weeks and is focused on increasing energy supply in New Hampshire to help lower electric bills for "Granite Staters." The discussion highlights a bipartisan concern over data center impacts, though with differing views on immediate policy actions.