Rockland Leaders Push for Data Center Moratorium
Rockland County leaders, state legislators, and environmental groups gathered in Pearl River, NY, to urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the "Responsible Data Center Development Act." This legislation would impose a one-year moratorium on large data center permits to study their impacts on electricity, water, and communities. The push comes amidst concerns over DataBank's proposed expansion in Orangetown and the perceived inadequacy of the Governor's existing executive order.
Rockland County lawmakers, state legislators, environmental advocates, and residents convened in Pearl River, New York, to advocate for Governor Kathy Hochul's signature on the "Responsible Data Center Development Act." This bill, which passed both houses of the New York State Legislature in June, proposes a one-year moratorium on certain state permits and approvals for new large data centers. Its objective is to allow New York to study the effects of such facilities on electricity, water resources, and local communities, while also addressing utility costs, environmental reviews, and renewable energy use in future developments.
The call for the legislation is particularly relevant in Orangetown, where DataBank has proposed expanding its data center campus in Orangeburg, prompting local opposition due to concerns about electricity consumption, water use, noise, and other environmental impacts. Rockland County Legislator Dana G. Stilley, a proponent of the state bill, emphasized the need for a clear understanding of data center impacts on infrastructure and taxpayers before further large-scale approvals. Legislators Beth Davidson and Jesse Malowitz, along with Assemblymembers Patrick Carroll and Aron Wieder, also voiced their support, highlighting the necessity of comprehensive statewide review.
Governor Hochul previously issued Executive Order 62 on July 14, enacting a temporary moratorium on certain large-scale data center projects and directing the Department of Public Service to examine impacts on the electric system and conduct an environmental review. However, supporters of the legislative bill argue that the executive order does not cover all projects the legislation would, as the bill establishes a lower threshold for its permitting moratorium. Environmental groups including the Sierra Club's Lower Hudson Group and Food & Water Watch participated in the event, raising similar concerns about resource demand and infrastructure costs. The ongoing debate underscores New York's challenge in balancing economic development from computing infrastructure with environmental and infrastructure concerns.