Data Center Loophole in Rockland | New York City News

A major data center project in Rockland County, New York, is sparking fierce local backlash despite a state pause on big tech infrastructure—because it’s just under the 50-megawatt threshold. Residents fear environmental damage near Lake Tappan, while DataBank insists its operations are eco-friendly and don’t draw from reservoirs. The town of Orangetown even passed a moratorium… but exempted this project since it was already approved, angering locals who see it as a loophole. Now, a state senator is pushing for a bill to ban centers as small as 20 megawatts, citing AI-driven demand and the need for smarter regulation. With the governor’s decision looming by year’s end, this battle could reshape how data centers are built—and where they’re allowed to grow. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/596fc5098325acc6