Bill proposed to pause new data centers in Connecticut
Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff is proposing a statewide moratorium on new data centers while lawmakers study their effects on water supplies, public health and the electric grid. The proposal follows local fights, including opposition to a planned data center in Colchester and a moratorium adopted in Mystic.
Connecticut Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff is backing a proposal for a temporary statewide ban on new data centers, arguing that the state needs consistent rules for an industry that can place significant demands on water resources and the electric grid. Senator Jeff Gordon also supports a moratorium to give lawmakers and residents more time to study the impacts and provide input.
The proposal has drawn mixed views. Republican legislator Vinnie Candelora agrees that data centers raise legitimate concerns but says a ban would go too far. The report also highlights local action in East Lyme and Mystic, where the town adopted a moratorium after a proposed facility drew concern, as well as continued opposition to a planned data center in Colchester. Lawmakers are also discussing existing tax credits for data centers, with some calling for their repeal.