Northampton data center moratorium: Planning Board, council committee unanimously back yearlong pause

Northampton’s Planning Board and City Council Committee on Legislative Matters unanimously backed a proposed one-year moratorium on commercial data centers ahead of a full City Council vote. The council formed a study committee last month to examine the facilities’ potential effects on host communities, including energy demand, water consumption, heat and pollution.

Public commenters including Smith College student Scarlet Labbé-Watson supported the moratorium, citing potential long-term environmental harm, while resident Zain Salim raised concerns about data storage and surveillance by large technology companies. Councilors Laurie Loisel and Christopher Stratton debated whether the ordinance should include size or electricity-use thresholds to avoid loopholes or unintentionally blocking smaller, less harmful businesses. The council is expected to continue refining and consider the proposal at its Thursday meeting.