Schroeppel adopts moratorium on data centers, seeks input on battery energy storage
The Town Board of Schroeppel, NY, has adopted a 12-month moratorium on data center projects to allow time for developing local regulations. This decision was made despite no active permit applications, reflecting growing concerns about potential environmental and municipal impacts.
The Town Board of Schroeppel, New York, has enacted a 12-month moratorium on data center projects within its jurisdiction, following a public hearing on Tuesday, July 14. This move makes Schroeppel the latest central New York municipality to pause data center development, driven by growing concerns over the potential environmental and municipal impacts such projects could bring.
Despite the absence of active permit applications or site plan requests for data centers, town leaders will utilize this year-long period to formulate local laws concerning data center regulations, site permits, and design. Coincidentally, on the same day, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an executive order enforcing a statewide pause on data center development for up to one year, though the specific impact on local municipalities like Schroeppel remains unclear.
In related news, the town is also seeking community input on two other proposals at an August 11 meeting: a proposed 12-month pause for battery energy storage systems and a site approval request from Nexamp Solar Company for a solar project on Bankrupt Road. Schroeppel already has a 12-month moratorium on commercial free-standing solar farms, passed in February, and Nexamp is seeking a waiver for its project.