POLITICS

Counties Debate, Vote on Recent Data Center Moratoria

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Manlius, N.Y. — The Manlius Town Board on Wednesday approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers and a six-month moratorium on battery storage facilities after a public hearing in which about a dozen residents raised environmental, energy-use and health concerns; the board voted unanimously on the data center ban and 4-3 on the battery storage pause. Wapello County supervisors on July 7 approved an 18-month moratorium within county zoning areas, waiving additional readings to expedite enactment, while Yankton County commissioners on July 7 declined to impose a moratorium and instead scheduled a public hearing later this month; officials and named local leaders signaled they will use the pause to draft zoning and safety rules.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

July 7: Louisa County supervisors approved an 18-month data center moratorium and waived additional readings.
July 7: Yankton County commissioners voted 4-0 to schedule a public hearing after declining to approve a moratorium.
Midweek (same week): Manlius Town Board held a public hearing and approved a one-year data center moratorium and a six-month battery storage moratorium.
Public hearings in each jurisdiction included testimony both supporting and opposing data center development.
Officials will use moratorium periods to draft or consider zoning, safety, and emergency-response regulations; future hearings are planned.

Why This Matters to You

Data centers and battery storage facilities can affect your community. They can raise environmental, energy, and health concerns. If you live in these areas, your voice can influence decisions. Attend public hearings or write to your local leaders.

The Bottom Line

Communities are pausing to consider the impacts of data centers and battery storage. They're drafting rules for safety and zoning. Keep an eye on local news for future hearings. Worth forwarding if you know someone in these areas.