U.S. Local Governments Implement Data Center Moratoriums

Local governments in several U.S. states are implementing or considering development pauses for data centers to study their impact on energy, water, and noise. In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order on July 14 pausing discretionary permits for certain artificial intelligence data centers for up to one year. This allows the Department of Public Service to prepare an environmental impact statement. Nearby, the towns of Lockport and Cambria have implemented moratoriums lasting 18 and nine months, respectively.

Other jurisdictions are pursuing more permanent restrictions. The Bulloch County Planning and Zoning Commission in Georgia voted 5-1 to recommend a zoning amendment that would explicitly prohibit data centers in unincorporated areas, with a final decision expected on August 4. In Florida, city commissioners in Lakeland are considering a 12-month moratorium following public opposition to a 600,000-square-foot facility known as Project Swan.

Similar efforts are underway in Maryland and Wisconsin. Montgomery County council committees are reviewing permit pauses to study energy and water demand. In Milton, Wisconsin, the common council forwarded a resolution for at least an 18-month moratorium to research health and safety effects. The Data Center Coalition has cautioned that these pauses signal an area is closed for business and could stifle economic growth.