Capital Region municipalities establish data center moratoriums

Several municipalities across New York's Capital Region are actively moving to implement temporary moratoriums on data center development, building on a recent executive order by Governor Kathy Hochul. Governor Hochul's order, signed Tuesday, establishes a statewide moratorium focused on hyperscale data centers consuming 50 megawatts or more. However, local governments are pursuing broader, temporary bans that would halt all data center development for a six-month period.

Among these local initiatives, the town of Bethlehem passed its moratorium on June 24, while the city of Albany followed suit on July 6, with its Common Council approving the ban after urging from protesters. Albany's 10th Ward Councilmember Owusu Anane highlighted concerns about protecting water infrastructure and preventing skyrocketing utility bills for residents.

In East Greenbush, Town Supervisor Jack Conway presided over a hearing on July 8 regarding a proposed local law for a data center moratorium. Conway, who expressed strong personal views on the issue, cited concerns over "electricity supplies, water supplies" and stated that data centers "have proven to be destructive of communities so far." The East Greenbush Town Board has a resolution on its agenda and is scheduled to vote on the proposal, which would pause all data center development, construction, and operation within the town, this Wednesday at 6 p.m. Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven emphasized that a moratorium is a temporary measure, necessary to allow time for the town to identify and implement legal protections against potential problems posed by data centers.