Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) voted in support of A.11560, the Responsible Data Center Development Act, which establishes a one-year moratorium on new data center permits while New York studies the impacts these facilities could have on local communities, energy infrastructure and utility costs.

“This temporary moratorium gives municipalities and the state the time they need to better understand, prepare for and minimize the potential impacts of large-scale data center development,” said Slater. “Data centers are an important part of our economy and technological future, but we need to make sure our electric grid, our communities and our ratepayers are not left carrying unintended consequences.”

The legislation directs state agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of data center development and its impacts on energy demand, infrastructure, local communities and ratepayers before additional projects move forward.

“Good policy starts with facts,” Slater said. “This review will provide local governments, residents and state policymakers with the information necessary to make smart decisions about future development. It is far better to take the time to study these impacts now than to deal with costly problems later.”

Slater noted that electricity demand is expected to increase significantly in the coming years and said it is critical that New Yorkers fully understand how large-scale data centers could affect energy reliability, affordability and environmental goals before expanding development.

“This bill is about planning ahead,” Slater said. “By taking a responsible approach today, we can protect local communities, safeguard ratepayers and ensure New York is prepared for future growth.”

Town Supervisor of Southeast Joseph Castellano said: “The Town of Southeast’s recently enacted moratorium on data centers recognizes that these facilities can have significant impacts on both the power grid and local communities. A statewide moratorium would provide the time needed to fully evaluate those impacts, establish consistent standards and ensure that New York’s economic growth is balanced with environmental protection, infrastructure reliability and community interests.”

Town Supervisor of Patterson Richard Williams said: “Data Centers come with huge potential environmental impacts without bringing meaningful economic development in the form of good-paying jobs or services supporting our community. They increase the household cost of electricity when we can ill afford it. Just one large data center would require more electricity than all of the households in the Town of Patterson. We need to take a step back and have the time to develop meaningful regulations to protect against the environmental impacts associated with data centers.”

Town Supervisor of Somers Robert Scorrano said: “I appreciate Assemblyman Slater's efforts to ensure New York has a clear understanding of the impacts large-scale data center development may have on our electric grid, infrastructure and communities. As energy demands continue to grow, decisions of this magnitude should be guided by reliable data and a thorough understanding of the long-term consequences for residents and ratepayers. Just as important, the information gathered through this review should be transparent and readily available to the public and local governments. Communities deserve access to the facts that will shape future policy decisions, and municipalities need that information to effectively exercise their Home Rule responsibilities and plan for their future. Transparency, accountability and informed local decision-making will help ensure that New York balances innovation, economic growth and energy reliability in a responsible way.”

Town Supervisor of Putnam Valley Alison Jolicoeur said: “Our residents have already been hit with unprecedented electricity rate increases over the last few years. At a time when many families are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living, we need to take a hard look at what the growing demand from large-scale data centers would mean for our energy infrastructure, our electric bills and our environment. We need honest answers about whether it is truly feasible and who will ultimately shoulder the cost. If these facilities require massive amounts of power and resources, will everyday ratepayers be left footing the bill? Those are questions we cannot afford to ignore.”

Town Supervisor of Kent Jaime McGlasson said: “I want to thank Assemblyman Matt Slater for taking a common-sense approach to this issue. Data centers can bring opportunities and investment, but it’s important that we understand the impact they could have on our electric grid, our communities, and our residents before moving forward. I appreciate Matt’s commitment to making sure local voices are heard and that New York is prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with future growth.”

Town Supervisor of Carmel Michael Cazzari said: “With the high cost of living in New York state, coupled with rising taxes and skyrocketing electricity costs, our state is losing both jobs and residents at an alarming rate. Western New York sits atop abundant natural gas resources that could help fuel manufacturing, power generation and the growth of energy-intensive industries such as data centers. If we want to remain competitive and affordable, we need a serious shift in thinking in Albany. Without meaningful changes, New York risks becoming increasingly unaffordable for families, businesses and future generations.”