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Bartlett Planning Board discusses whether Master Plan should address data centers and small modular reactors
Summary
Board members debated adding AI/data center considerations to the Master Plan, including energy, cooling and safety concerns tied to small modular reactors; members agreed to gather more information before any ordinance or warrant proposal.
Members of the Bartlett Planning Board discussed whether the town’s Master Plan should include guidance or restrictions for data centers and related energy infrastructure on July 6. The secretary reported outreach to other New Hampshire towns had mixed results; Littleton and Keene reported no current centers, while Manchester’s listing could not be confirmed.
Board member Pat Roberts raised safety concerns, referencing potential on‑site energy modules, and said as a former fire chief he would be uncomfortable responding to a reactor incident. Michael Galante responded with technical context, calling small modular reactors a low‑water‑use alternative with multiple industry safety features and arguing that nuclear (in his view) remains a low‑carbon option. Several members agreed there is insufficient information now to propose a ban or warrant article; the board asked for further research and continued discussion at future meetings.
