Auburn advances $13 million water project, approves contracts and weighs data center restrictions
Auburn city officials are considering local restrictions on data centers and battery storage facilities, including a potential prohibition within city limits and a ban on accepting data center wastewater. This comes as Governor Kathy Hochul's statewide moratorium on new data center projects is already in effect. City staff will review zoning and wastewater codes to present options to the council.
Auburn officials are exploring the implementation of local restrictions on data centers and battery storage facilities, a move that follows Governor Kathy Hochul's temporary statewide moratorium on new data center projects. During a recent City Council meeting, Councilor Christina Calarco advocated for a prohibition on data centers within Auburn and a ban on the city's wastewater treatment plant accepting waste from data center operations.
Municipal Utilities Director Seth Jensen confirmed that Auburn's industrial pretreatment program allows for the rejection of waste its system cannot safely process, noting a precedent with a similar ban on hydraulic fracturing wastewater. While acknowledging potential revenue from processing some data center wastewater in the future, Jensen's comments supported the feasibility of such a ban.
Other council members, including Terrence Cuddy, Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson, and Craig Diego, along with Mayor James Giannettino, expressed support for stronger protections. Mayor Giannettino specifically cited concerns that federal permitting changes could undermine public participation and local control. City staff have been directed to review Auburn’s zoning and wastewater codes and prepare options for the council's consideration.