As demand for data storage and cloud computing continues to expand, more data centers are being built in urban, suburban and rural areas across our state. While these facilities are critical to our modern economy, they often rely on powerful cooling systems, backup generators, and other industrial equipment that can cause significant disruptions for nearby residents, schools, and community spaces.
Currently, there are no consistent statewide standards that require data centers to mitigate these impacts. This gap leaves communities vulnerable to quality-of-life concerns when facilities are sited nearby.
For these reasons, we will be introducing legislation directing municipalities to regulate data centers and adopt local ordinances to limit harmful impacts on nearby communities. These ordinances would include provisions for sound barriers, set back distances, building design standards, equipment modifications, and other measures to reduce community disruptions. If data centers are going to be built in our neighborhoods, they must be sited and regulated with the well-being of nearby residents in mind.
This legislation will:
- Protect the health and well-being of residents living near data centers.
- Ensure responsible siting and operation of these facilities.
- Support sustainable economic development that preserves community quality of life.
Please join us as a co-sponsor of this important measure to make sure that technological progress does not come at the expense of our neighborhoods.