Onondaga County to Fund $500K Study on Data Center Best Practices
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced a $500,000 study and task force to determine "best practices" and suitable locations for data centers in the county. This initiative follows public backlash against data centers over concerns like noise, water usage, and utility costs, and comes as New York State legislators passed a moratorium bill and the Lysander Town Board enacted its own moratorium.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced the launch of a task force and a $500,000 study to investigate the feasibility and impact of data center development in Central New York. The study aims to identify optimal locations and "best practices" for building and operating data centers within the county, addressing growing public concerns.
The initiative is a direct response to widespread resident backlash over issues such as noise pollution, water usage, increased utility prices, and taxpayer costs. County Legislator Maurice “Mo” Brown, a vocal critic of data centers, expressed support for the study, although he believes it will confirm that data centers are not feasible in Central New York. The study, expected to take six months, will examine public health, water supply, and wastewater capacity, with the county providing technical assistance to municipalities.
McMahon's announcement follows significant legislative and local actions concerning data centers. New York State legislators recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center projects, which awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature to become law. Locally, the Lysander Town Board enacted a six-month moratorium after a public hearing drew 350 attendees and a petition opposing a data center gathered 2,600 signatures. While local town boards and zoning authorities hold ultimate decision-making power, McMahon emphasized the county's role in influencing outcomes, particularly regarding wastewater infrastructure.