New Hampshire political candidates advocate for data center moratorium
Democratic candidates Stefany Shaheen (Congressional) and Cinde Warmington (Governor) are advocating for a moratorium on data center development in New Hampshire, citing concerns over water and electricity consumption. Shaheen also proposes federal legislation to compensate communities for resource loss. This push comes amidst ongoing local concerns about environmental contamination and increased demand on public utilities in towns like Merrimack.
Democratic candidates in New Hampshire are actively campaigning on proposals to halt or slow data center development, primarily due to concerns about their environmental impact and resource consumption. Stefany Shaheen, a candidate for the First Congressional District, stated her commitment to fighting data center development, suggesting a moratorium until the projects can prove they won't deplete local water and electricity supplies or lead to higher energy rates.
Shaheen, who previously served as a Portsmouth city councilor and led a campaign against PFAS contamination, also seeks federal legislation to ensure communities are compensated for the loss of water and electricity grid capacity. Similarly, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington supports imposing a data center moratorium, a stance echoed by fellow gubernatorial candidate Kelly Ayotte, who expressed skepticism about their value to the state.
The push for a moratorium is particularly resonant in Merrimack, which has been severely affected by groundwater contamination from "forever chemicals" linked to the now-closed Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics plant. Donald Provencher, chairman of the Merrimack Village District, highlighted the town's existing struggle to meet daily water demands, expressing concerns that data centers would exacerbate the strain on their water and electricity systems. State Representative Nancy Murphy, D-Merrimack, whose children have experienced health issues believed to be connected to PFAS, emphasized the need for tougher regulations to protect citizens and the environment given the community's compromised health.
The article also mentions a significant state and federal investment of $223 million over seven years to address New Hampshire's environmental crisis. Residents like Brian Landrigan, who had to connect to town water after his well was contaminated, voiced fears that data centers would bring economic benefits without adequate consideration of the long-term environmental and health costs.