Highland issues 12-month moratoriums for data centers, sewage package plants

The Highland Town Board in Sullivan County, New York, unanimously enacted a 12-month moratorium on data center development, alongside a similar pause on sewage package plants. The decision, made on June 9, aims to give the town time to study the potential impacts of these developments, particularly on water resources, and to amend its comprehensive plan and zoning laws. Town Supervisor John Pizzolato described the measure as "pre-emptive," highlighting the town's commitment to protecting its land and residents.

Pizzolato noted that approximately 60% of the town's comprehensive planning discussions have focused on safeguarding water resources. The moratorium also allows for work to be completed on a county-wide study of water resources and aquifers by Sullivan County.

While the local moratorium is in effect, a statewide one-year ban on data center development has passed the New York State Legislature and is awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul's signature. Pizzolato expressed hope that other towns in Sullivan County would follow Highland's lead in implementing similar local protections. The moratorium will apply to new applications but not to projects already in progress, such as the Camp FIMFO campground development, but will affect proposed projects like Camp Teumim's 26-lot subdivision.