West Seneca passes 1-year moratorium on data centers
The West Seneca Town Board unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data centers, which will remain in effect through August 2027. Officials said the pause will provide time to develop standards addressing energy use, water consumption and noise, while Buffalo and Tonawanda pursue similar restrictions.
The West Seneca Town Board voted 4-0 to impose a one-year moratorium on data center development, set to expire at the end of August 2027. Town Supervisor Gary Dickson said the pause will allow officials to create standards addressing impacts such as electricity demand, water use and noise.
The action is part of a broader wave of data center restrictions in Western New York. Buffalo's Common Council is expected to consider its own moratorium and a nine-member task force to update zoning and other industry rules, while Tonawanda has already approved a moratorium. Statewide, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order pausing data center permitting for up to a year to study environmental impacts and develop regulatory standards.