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Bill

HB 1265

prohibiting the construction of data centers in the state and establishing a committee to study the environmental impact of data centers.

2026 Regular Session

New Hampshire proposes banning data center construction while a committee studies environmental impacts, potentially disadvantaging the state's tech sector competitiveness.

Inexpedient to Legislate: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 10
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Bill Summary · HB 1265

Legislative bill overview

HB 1265 proposes a prohibition on constructing new data centers in New Hampshire while establishing a legislative committee to investigate the environmental impacts of data center operations. The bill aims to pause data center development pending completion of this environmental study.

Why is this important

Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, raising legitimate environmental concerns about energy grids, water resources, and carbon emissions. However, data centers also represent significant economic development opportunities, tax revenue, and job creation for states that welcome them—making this a consequential policy choice with long-term competitive implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic trade-offs: A construction ban may deter major tech companies and infrastructure investment while competitors in neighboring states capture these opportunities and associated jobs
  • Environmental scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify which environmental impacts the study will examine (energy demand, water usage, cooling emissions, land use) or what findings would justify lifting the ban
  • Timeline and enforcement: No clear endpoint for the moratorium is specified; an indefinite ban could effectively exclude the industry regardless of study results

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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