What’s happening in Vermont
Vermont has proposed the longest data center moratorium in the country.
S.205 would freeze AI data center construction until July 2030 — over four years. During the freeze, state regulators would study environmental and economic impacts and recommend a permanent regulatory framework.
The bill reflects Vermont's strong environmental tradition and the influence of Senator Bernie Sanders, who (alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) introduced federal companion legislation to halt data center projects nationwide until comprehensive AI regulation is enacted.
Why Vermont residents are concerned
Environmental preservation. Vermont's economy depends on its natural landscape — tourism, agriculture, and quality of life. Industrial data center development is fundamentally incompatible with the state's character.
Energy costs. Vermont already has high energy costs. Adding massive industrial loads would strain the grid and raise rates.
How to oppose a data center in Vermont
Attend your county commission or city council meetings. Local elected officials control zoning and land use decisions. Public comment periods are your most direct opportunity to voice opposition. Bring specific concerns — water impact, property values, electricity rates, noise — and reference relevant state and local legislation.
Send a formal opposition letter. Written opposition becomes part of the public record and carries significant weight with commissioners. Letters should cite specific concerns, reference relevant statutes, and be addressed to every commissioner by name. We handle this for you →
Organize your neighbors. Join or create a local opposition group. More than 833 community groups across 49 states are actively fighting data center developments. Strength in numbers changes votes.
Engage state legislators. Contact your state representative and senator. Tell them you support regulatory frameworks that protect communities from data center impacts — including moratoriums, ratepayer protections, and environmental review requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a data center moratorium in Vermont?
S.205 proposes a moratorium on AI data centers until July 2030 — the longest proposed pause in the country. Regulators would study impacts during the freeze.
How can I oppose a data center in Vermont?
Attend your county commission or city council meetings, submit formal opposition letters to your elected officials, and engage with state-level legislation. More than 833 community groups across 49 states are actively fighting data center developments. We can research your local officials and send a personalized opposition letter on your behalf for you.
How much water does a data center use?
A single hyperscale data center can consume up to 1 million gallons of water per day during peak cooling. AI data centers consumed roughly 17 billion gallons nationally in 2023, projected to reach 68 billion gallons by 2028.
Do data centers lower property values?
Research consistently shows that proximity to industrial infrastructure — including data centers — can negatively impact residential property values. Windowless warehouse-scale buildings, diesel generators, and continuous noise are incompatible with residential neighborhoods.