Southern Tier lawmaker proposes statewide moratorium on data centers
A New York Assemblywoman has proposed a three-year statewide moratorium on data center development to allow the DEC to conduct an environmental impact study. This comes amidst local bans and moratoriums in towns like Oneonta and Dryden, driven by concerns over energy and water usage. The bill is currently in committee.
New York Assemblywoman Anna Kelles has introduced a bill proposing a three-year statewide moratorium on data center development in response to growing public backlash and the rapid proliferation of AI data centers across the state. The proposed moratorium aims to provide the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) with time to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact study, assessing the effects of these facilities on local communities, energy grids, and water resources. Towns like Oneonta and Dryden have already implemented their own local measures, with Oneonta enacting a 12-month moratorium and Dryden issuing an outright ban, citing conflicts with community desires and concerns over energy and water consumption. Supervisor Jason Leifer of the Town of Dryden highlighted the discrepancy between data center requirements and the town's comprehensive plan. Kelles noted that New York is a prime target for data centers due to its cool temperatures and abundant fresh water, with over 11 gigawatts of proposals currently in place, significantly exceeding the energy consumption of all residential housing statewide. She emphasized the urgency for the legislature to establish regulations to mitigate environmental and ratepayer impacts, as the bill currently awaits a vote in committee.