Ayotte opposes potential Bow data center, plans to propose moratorium on data centers in state
Governor Kelly Ayotte announced her opposition to a potential hyperscale data center in Bow, New Hampshire, and plans to propose a multi-year statewide moratorium on data centers in her upcoming budget. Citing concerns about energy prices, environmental impacts, and a lack of state regulations, her proposal aligns with local efforts and a similar legislative plan from State House Democrats. The moratorium, if enacted, would not take effect until July 2027 at the earliest, though an executive order could impose it sooner.
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte declared her opposition to a potential hyperscale data center in Bow and announced plans to propose a multi-year, statewide moratorium on data center development in her next budget. The governor expressed concerns that such a facility would increase energy prices across New Hampshire and New England, a sentiment she stated was confirmed by the head of ISO-New England. She also highlighted potential environmental issues like water and noise pollution that warrant further investigation.
The proposed moratorium, which Ayotte said would be included in her budget proposal, would not take effect before July 2027. However, the governor noted that an executive order could implement a ban sooner. The specific site and size of the proposed Bow data center remain undisclosed, though public filings indicate Eversource Energy is conducting a feasibility study at the request of Granite Shore Power, LLC, which owns a former coal-fired power plant in the town.
Ayotte's stance follows discussions in several New Hampshire municipalities, including Nottingham and Rochester, about local data center moratoriums due to a lack of clear state regulations. Additionally, State House Democrats announced their intention to propose legislation for a 24-month moratorium on data center development during the 2027 session.