The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council adopted Resolution 2026-41 on October 2, 2026, formally opposing hyperscale data centers on or near the southern Akwesasne Territory. A Tribal Task Force on Energy and Industry identified concerns including high energy demand, heavy water use, air-quality impacts and increased noise and light pollution. The Tribe urged local officials not to approve further expansion and views New York’s statewide moratorium as an opening for government-to-government consultation to protect community health and resources.
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Opposes Hyperscale Data Centers Near Akwesasne, Cites Health and Environmental Risks
(Photo/Courtesy)
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council has formally opposed construction of hyperscale data centers on or adjacent to the southern portion of the Akwesasne Territory, citing potential threats to community health, the local environment, cultural resources and the regional economy.
On October 2, 2026, the Council adopted Tribal Council Resolution 2026-41, officially recording the Tribe’s objection to hyperscale data center development on or near Akwesasne. The resolution follows the Council’s formation of a Tribal Task Force on Energy and Industry in May, which reviewed potential impacts and identified a series of concerns.
Tribal Concerns
The Task Force documented a range of issues associated with large-scale data centers, including:
- Very high energy consumption that may strain regional power supplies;
- Substantial water usage for cooling systems that could affect local water resources;
- Potential declines in air quality from increased emissions and equipment operations;
- Increased noise and light pollution that could disrupt community life and wildlife;
- Risks to cultural sites, traditional practices and community well-being.
“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 said. “There is currently no support from our community for hyperscale data center development.”
The Council noted that concerns about data center impacts have also emerged at local, regional, state and national levels.
Engagement With Local and State Officials
Tribal leaders said they met with Town of Massena representatives and urged the town not to authorize approvals that would enable further expansion of data centers in the area. The Council described the New York State moratorium on new data centers, issued by Governor Kathy Hochul, as an opportunity to pursue meaningful government-to-government consultation.
Through Resolution 2026-41, the Tribal Council concluded that the potential health and safety risks of hyperscale data centers outweigh perceived economic benefits and requested that state and local governments engage directly with the Tribe on decisions affecting Akwesasne lands, waters and air.
Next Steps
The Tribal Council called for robust, transparent consultation with state and local authorities to ensure that any future proposals do not jeopardize the territory's environmental integrity, cultural heritage or public health. The Tribe emphasized the need for decisions to reflect community priorities and scientific assessment of potential impacts.
“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 Council said.
Help us improve.
