Nottingham passes moratorium on data centers, over 90 percent vote in favor
Nottingham, New Hampshire residents overwhelmingly voted to enact a year-long moratorium on data center development. This decision allows the town to study potential impacts and develop new zoning regulations. The vote follows a developer's withdrawal of a data center plan due to significant public concern over energy and water usage.
Nottingham, New Hampshire, has enacted a year-long moratorium on data center development, with over 90 percent of voters supporting the measure. The temporary ban will allow town officials to study the potential impacts of data centers and formulate new zoning regulations to address these concerns.
The vote comes after a developer recently withdrew plans for a data center in Nottingham, reportedly due to strong public opposition. Hundreds of residents had gathered to discuss the project at a Planning Board meeting, even after its cancellation. Key concerns raised by the public included the high energy and water consumption associated with data centers, while proponents had cited potential tax revenue benefits.
The issue of large-scale data centers has become a significant political topic across New Hampshire, influencing the current race for governor, with both leading candidates expressing their opposition to such developments.