The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
City of Buffalo
Pro-Data Center Policies
New York exempts qualifying data centers from sales taxes on certain equipment and services, subject to security and web-hosting conditions. An enacted order is also described as pausing some state environmental permits for new or expanded centers pending review, while excluding local permits and existing operations.
Rating and summary from New York statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for City of Buffalo.
pending · City of BuffaloProposes a two-year moratorium on new cryptocurrency-mining facilities and data-processing centers/data centers to give Buffalo time to update its zoning rules.City of Buffalo Proposed Local Law/Ordinance: Two-Year Moratorium on Data Centers and Cryptocurrency Facilities (2026)
What this means
If enacted, the measure would pause new data centers and expansions of 20 megawatts or more in Buffalo for two years, making development in that category much harder during that time. It would not stop existing centers from operating or cover smaller projects.
Timing
- Ends
- two years
The proposed moratorium covers new data centers or qualifying expansions of 20 megawatts or more, as well as cryptocurrency facilities. It expires after two years; no exact calendar date or extension conditions are specified.
People behind it
- Bryan Bollman
Sponsor of resolutions concerning commissioners of deeds, the Lovejoy Pool reopening, and the veteran tax exemption local law.
- Joseph Golombek
Sponsor and proposer of measures concerning ballot access and petitions for change, including the proposed two-year moratorium on new data centers and cryptocurrency facilities.
- Mitchell Nowakowski
Sponsor of the resolution requesting a comprehensive plan for the future development of 2 Templeton Terrace and co-sponsor of the veteran tax exemption local law.
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- Rasheed Wyatt
Sponsor of resolutions concerning city union contract negotiations and BPS school closures, and co-sponsor of the veteran tax exemption local law.
- Joel Feroleto
Co-sponsor of Local Law Introductory No. 5 concerning the veteran exemption from taxes and assessments.
- C. Gardo
Petitioner proposing a special use permit for 2297 Main Street.
- D. Zapfel
Petitioner proposing a special use permit for 2563 Bailey Avenue.
- S. Shaeffer
Petitioner proposing a moratorium on data centers larger than 20 megawatts.
- J. Anzalone
Petitioner proposing a special use permit for 462 Niagara Street.
- M. Islam
Petitioner proposing a special use permit for 416 Wohlers Avenue.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements2
A proposed two-year moratorium would prohibit new data centers and expansions designed to support 20 megawatts or more; the proposal had not yet been enacted.
A separate one-year state moratorium applies to new data centers of 50 megawatts or more.
Sources
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