Bill to pause data‑center construction prompts debate over water, energy and jobs
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Summary
Representative Peter Schmidt’s HB 12 65 would pause new data‑center construction and establish a study committee to examine environmental impacts (water use, waste heat, energy demand, noise). Supporters cited resource intensity; opponents cited vague definitions and potential economic downsides.
Representative Peter Schmidt introduced HB 12 65, a proposal to prohibit construction of new data centers in New Hampshire while a study committee examines environmental and infrastructure impacts. Schmidt said data centers can consume extraordinary amounts of water and electricity, generate waste heat and noise, and change local land use patterns; he argued a study would help the state develop guardrails before large facilities arrive.
Supporters — including municipal and conservation speakers — raised concerns about water (cooling demands), noise, land conversion and electricity demand. Representative Wendy Thomas and other members cited examples of large facilities consuming millions of gallons per day of water and argued for preemptive safeguards. Several speakers urged a commission or interim study with technical experts (DES, Public Utilities Commission) and recommended detailed checklists for future proposals.
Business and industry representatives (Business and Industry Association, manufacturing and chambers) opposed a blanket ban and criticized the bill’s vague definition of "data center," warning it could chill smaller tech uses and send the wrong message to employers. They recommended tailoring definitions by size (megawatt thresholds) and focusing on mitigation rather than an outright prohibition.
Committee members debated study structures (legislative study vs. commission), the value of municipal involvement, and whether a pause was necessary. Several members suggested narrower drafting or interim study before imposing a moratorium.