BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

AKWESASNE -- The Massena Town Board may be split on the development of data centers in the town but Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal leaders say the Tribe is united in opposing hyperscale data center development. 

In a release issued Oct. 2, Tribal leaders say the development of such projects near the southern portion of the territory is a non-starter. 

"Since creating the Tribal Task Force on Energy and Industry in may, Tribal Council has identified numerous complex challenges brought on by data center development that could adversely affect the community's economy, environment and cultural resources. Concerns encompass significant energy consumption, water resource utilization, air quality degradation and the generation of noise and light pollution," they said in a statement. 

Numerous Tribal members have attended Massena Town Board meetings in recent months, advocating for the board to impose a three-year moratorium on any data center development. 

Despite those pleas, the board shot down a six-month moratorium with a 3-2 vote. 

Voting in favor of the moratorium were Town Supervisor Ray Lancto and Board Member Kristy Baker Dubrey. 

Voting against were Deputy Town Supervisor Sam Carbone and Board Members Adrian Taraska and Jared Hollander. 

“We believe that hyperscale data center development poses known and unknown risks that could impact the health and well-being of our community. There is currently no support from our community for hyperscale data center development. Opposition is happening, not only locally but also regionally, statewide, and nationally. We met with Town of Massena representatives and sincerely hoped that the Town would not issue authorization for the continued growth of data centers in our area,” stated the Tribal Council.

Tribal Council said TCR 2026-41 affirms their stance that the development of such structures near the reservation or in close proximity is a health and safety risk to tribal members and far outweighs "any perceived economic gains." 

"In light of Governor Kathy Hochul's state moratorium on data centers, we see an opportunity for meaningful consultation between state officials and the Tribe on issues that directly impact our land, waters, air quality, and the wellbeing of our people. This collaboration is crucial to ensure that our community's concerns are prioritized and that any future developments do not jeopardize the health and well-being of the Akwesasne Territory," they wrote.