Buffalo lawmakers propose two-year data center moratorium for new regulations
Buffalo lawmakers are proposing a two-year moratorium on new data centers, specifically targeting facilities using 20 megawatts or more of electricity, including those for cryptocurrency mining. This temporary ban aims to provide time for the city to develop essential regulatory structures and protections. The proposal is supported by the editorial board, citing significant public opposition to data center construction.
Buffalo lawmakers have proposed a two-year moratorium on data centers consuming 20 megawatts or more of electricity, which would include facilities supporting cryptocurrency mining and blockchain authentication. The intent behind this proposed ban is to allow the city to establish a robust regulatory structure and other necessary protections for data center development.
The editorial board of buffalonews.com supports this initiative, suggesting it aligns Buffalo with other municipalities addressing the impacts of data center growth. This move also reflects broader public sentiment, as a recent Gallup poll indicated that 70% of Americans oppose the construction of AI data centers in their local areas, with 48% strongly opposed.