Overview:
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has formally opposed hyperscale data center development on or near the Akwesasne Territory, citing concerns over potential impacts on community health, water, air quality, energy use and cultural resources.
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has formally opposed hyperscale data center development on or near the southern portion of the Akwesasne Territory, citing concerns about potential impacts on the community’s health, environment, economy and cultural resources.
The Tribal Council adopted Tribal Council Resolution 2026-41 on October 2, 2026, formally establishing the Tribe’s opposition to hyperscale data centers on or in close proximity to Akwesasne.
Since establishing the Tribal Task Force on Energy and Industry in May, the Tribal Council has identified a range of concerns associated with data center development, including significant energy consumption, water resource use, air quality, and noise and light pollution.
“We believe that hyperscale data center development poses known and unknown risks that could impact the health and well-being of our community,” the Tribal Council stated. “There is currently no support from our community for hyperscale data center development.”
The Council said opposition to hyperscale data centers extends beyond Akwesasne, noting that concerns have emerged at the local, regional, state and national levels.
“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,” the Tribal Council stated.
Through Resolution 2026-41, the Tribal Council affirmed its position that the potential health and safety risks associated with hyperscale data centers outweigh what it described as perceived economic benefits.
The resolution comes as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has imposed a state moratorium on data centers, creating what the Tribe views as an opportunity for government-to-government consultation with state officials.
The Tribal Council said meaningful consultation is needed on issues affecting Akwesasne’s land, water and air resources, as well as the overall well-being of the community.
“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,” the Tribal Council stated.
