Roughly two-thirds of Vermonters support a statewide ban on large data centers, poll finds
A Vermont Public poll found that 64% of Vermonters support banning large-scale data centers statewide, amid concerns about electricity use, water consumption and potential costs to utility customers. Vermont currently has no active bids for a large data center, while lawmakers recently passed broader regulation that Gov. Phil Scott vetoed.
A Vermont Public poll found that 64% of respondents support a statewide ban on large data centers, while 20% oppose such a ban. Residents cited concerns about the facilities’ electricity and water consumption, limited long-term employment benefits and the possibility that utility customers would bear the cost of grid upgrades.
Vermont has no active large data center proposals, although regional grid operator ISO New England expects more projects to emerge as electricity markets elsewhere become saturated. A proposed 200-megawatt facility in Massachusetts could also affect New England electricity rates. Vermont lawmakers approved legislation to further regulate large data centers, but Gov. Phil Scott vetoed it, arguing that existing safeguards were sufficient and that the bill could discourage new businesses. Public Service Commissioner Kerrick Johnson said data centers could help fund rural grid improvements if they provide their own power and coordinate with utilities.