'Our own layer of protection'; East Greenbush passes its own data center moratorium
The East Greenbush Town Board unanimously passed a six-month moratorium on data center operations and development within its borders. This local action comes as Governor Hochul announced a year-long moratorium on hyperscale data center permits statewide. East Greenbush officials believe their local moratorium provides an additional layer of protection, anticipating legal challenges to the state's measure.
The East Greenbush Town Board recently enacted a six-month moratorium on all data center operations and development within the town. This unanimous decision was made on Wednesday, establishing a local pause on data center projects.
The town's action was taken even as Governor Hochul announced a year-long statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center permits, specifically targeting facilities using 50 megawatts or more. Town Supervisor Jack Conway stated that East Greenbush's legal counsel anticipates potential court challenges to the Governor's moratorium, prompting the town to implement its own protective measures.
Neighboring municipalities, including the city of Albany and the town of Bethlehem, have also passed their own moratoriums against data center development, indicating a regional trend of local governments addressing data center growth proactively.