Massena petition seeks three-year pause on data center approvals

A petition seeking a three-year moratorium on data centers in Massena has collected more than 412 signatures, exceeding its original goal of 174. Organizers said it is expected to be presented to the Massena Town Board during the board’s Wednesday monthly meeting.

The effort is led by David Fenton, McKay Burley and Suzanne Patnode. Organizers said the petition includes one version for registered Massena voters and another open to supporters across the North Country. They cited concerns about effects on the electric grid, the St. Lawrence River and utility costs. Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul signed an executive order in July creating a statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers for up to one year while state officials develop regulations.