East Fishkill Town Board unanimously passes 3-year data center moratorium
The East Fishkill Town Board unanimously approved a three-year moratorium on data center construction to study infrastructure and environmental impacts. This decision comes as more New York communities consider similar pauses due to concerns about water usage, heat generation, and the electric grid. A one-year statewide moratorium has also passed the state legislature but awaits the governor's signature.
The East Fishkill Town Board has unanimously enacted a three-year moratorium on data center development in response to community concerns regarding a potential one-gigawatt facility. Residents, like Fran Caracappa, voiced worries about the strain on East Fishkill's well water system, aquifer impacts, and the heat generated by such operations. Town Supervisor Nicholas D'Alessandro stated the moratorium provides "time out" to review infrastructure and environmental impacts and consult experts.
This local action aligns with a broader trend across New York, where communities are seeking to understand the effects of data centers on public health, water resources, and the electric grid. Separately, the New York State Legislature has passed a one-year statewide moratorium, co-sponsored by Assemblymember Sarahanna Shrestha, which is currently awaiting delivery to the governor for signature. Assemblymember Shrestha noted the state-level pause would allow for research into land use and water quality issues observed in other states, adding that local communities remain free to implement longer moratoriums. Treetop Companies, identified as the developer behind the proposed East Fishkill project, did not provide immediate comment.