Hochul passes statewide moratorium on data centers
Governor Kathy Hochul signed an Executive Order enacting the nation's first statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers in New York. This temporary pause will last up to one year to allow for the creation of a regulatory framework. The initiative aims to protect ratepayers, the environment, and the energy grid from potential negative impacts.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an Executive Order to enact the nation's first statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers. This order establishes a temporary pause on state environmental permits for up to one year, with the goal of developing a comprehensive regulatory framework.
Governor Hochul emphasized that the moratorium is a proactive measure to safeguard New Yorkers, the environment, and the energy grid. She cited concerns that unchecked data center development could lead to increased utility bills, depletion of natural resources, and general uncertainty for communities across the state, underscoring her responsibility to take decisive action.