Claremont's Conservation Commission is considering a public presentation next spring on how data centers affect natural resources, according to newly available minutes from its Oct. 15 meeting.

Commission members John Hurley and Christopher Cogswell discussed possible topics for a public program and selected “The Impact of Data Centers on Natural Resources.”

The meeting minutes state that a spring presentation would be appropriate. No date, location or speaker has been announced.

Data centers emerge as a local discussion topic

The subject arose again later in the meeting during a report about a Sullivan County conservation roundtable.

Commission Chair Eric Peabody suggested that data centers could be raised as a future discussion topic at those gatherings.

Robert Snider, a member of the public attending the meeting, said he had worked around data centers and that the facilities have environmental impacts, according to the minutes.

The commission did not vote to approve a public presentation or announce a position on data center development.

The records also do not identify a proposed data center in Claremont.

State lawmakers consider new restrictions

The local discussion comes as New Hampshire lawmakers prepare proposals addressing large data centers during the 2027 legislative session.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte has called for a statewide moratorium, citing concerns about electricity costs, water use and other environmental effects.

Several legislators have submitted preliminary requests for legislation.

Sen. Daniel Innis, R-Bradford, has described a proposed pause that would expire at the end of 2027, while Rep. Thomas Cormen, D-Lebanon, has outlined a longer moratorium extending through 2028.

Cormen's draft proposal would apply to data centers using at least 20 megawatts of electricity at peak demand, according to an Oct. 27 New Hampshire Bulletin report.

The proposals remain preliminary. No statewide moratorium has been enacted.

Commission's next meeting

Claremont's Conservation Commission generally meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Visitor Center, 14 North St.

Its next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19.

Whether the proposed data center presentation will be scheduled is still undecided. Residents can follow commission agendas and minutes through the City of Claremont website.