thechronicle.com · Nicole Zappone @TheChronicleCT · September 4, 2026
Gordon calls for a moratorium, responsible oversight of data centers | News | thechronicle.com
# Gordon calls for a moratorium, responsible oversight of data centers
- Nicole Zappone @TheChronicleCT - Sep 4, 2026 - Sep 4, 2026 - Comments
State Senator Jeff Gordon Contributed Photo
COVENTRY — State Senator Jeff Gordon, who represents the 35th district, has issued a public policy plan that addresses concerns about how data centers could affect energy ratepayers, the environment, local municipal planning, public infrastructure and public safety.
In the 35th district, Gordon represents the towns of Ashford, Chaplin, Coventry, Eastford, Ellington, Hampton, Pomfret, Stafford, Tolland, Union, Vernon, Willington and Woodstock.
“As the future unfolds with data centers supporting technological innovations and possible economic development investments in Connecticut, we must act now to address the impacts that data centers could have on energy supplies, water use, land requirements, infrastructure needs and public safety concerns,” Gordon said.
Gordon outlined his plan to approach data center oversight. Those include creating a moratorium so policymakers, stakeholders and the public can learn more about the issue and have the opportunity to provide information, raise concerns and ask questions.
Another part includes creating what he calls clear protections for energy ratepayers from the data centers’ additional and peak usage demands. Gordon said this would prevent increased costs for new infrastructure from being passed on to ratepayers and would also prevent impacts on energy rates.
In 2021, the legislature created a Data Center Tax Incentive Program, known as Public Act 21-1, to attract data center development in Connecticut. The program, run by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), allows sales, use and property tax exemptions based on data center companies’ financial investment over a specific period.
“I was not a State Senator when this tax incentive was passed,” Gordon said. “But whether one agrees or not with what was done in 2021, we must look at how the landscape has changed over time. It is now that we must put responsible oversight into place before it is too late and ratepayers, homeowners and our communities are affected.”
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