Compass Datacenters CEO on data center moratoria: Don't ban them, raise the bar for developers

Summary

Compass Datacenters CEO Chris Crosby discusses the rise of state and local moratoria on data centers, including recent actions in Texas and New York. He argues against bans, asserting that top-tier developers already meet high environmental standards and can invest in communities and grid infrastructure. He blames speculators for clogging power queues and urges policymakers to demand more from developers rather than halting projects.

• Texas paused new data center grid approvals and ordered an audit.
• New York became the first state to impose a moratorium on large-scale data centers.
• Compass Datacenters CEO says the industry should raise the bar, not be banned.
• He notes Compass has not used water since 2011 and can avoid noise/light pollution.
• He claims many entities in the power queue are speculators with no intention to build.
• Crosby urges states to ask developers for workforce development, utility upgrades, and community investment.