Ayotte opposes potential Bow data center, plans to propose statewide moratorium
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has announced her opposition to a potential hyperscale data center in Bow and plans to propose a multi-year statewide moratorium on data center development. She cites concerns over the state's energy supply, potential increases in energy prices, and environmental impacts like water and noise pollution. The moratorium is intended to give the state time to study these issues.
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte has publicly stated her opposition to a proposed hyperscale data center in Bow and announced plans to include a statewide moratorium on data center development in her upcoming budget proposal. The Governor expressed concerns that the massive energy demands of such facilities would strain New Hampshire's energy grid and lead to higher electricity prices for residents, a sentiment she noted was confirmed by the head of ISO-New England.
Ayotte's proposed moratorium is expected to last for "a period of years" to allow the state to thoroughly investigate the potential energy impacts, as well as environmental concerns related to water usage and noise pollution. While the proposed moratorium would not take effect until at least July 2027 following the next budget, the Governor indicated an executive order could implement a ban sooner. The specific site and size of the proposed Bow data center remain unconfirmed, though public filings to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission indicate Eversource Energy is conducting a feasibility study at the request of Granite Shore Power, LLC, which owns a former coal-fired power plant in the town.
Despite not having directly spoken with officials in Bow, Governor Ayotte maintains her opposition, prioritizing lower energy bills for the state. Her stance comes as several New Hampshire municipalities, including Nottingham and Rochester, have been considering local moratoriums in the absence of clear state regulations. Additionally, State House Democrats announced their intention to propose legislation for the 2027 session to impose a 24-month moratorium on data center development statewide.