New York Legislature poised to pass one-year data center moratorium
New York's legislature is poised to pass a one-year moratorium on new data centers exceeding 5 megawatts, despite opposition from tech and business groups who argue it will harm economic growth. Governor Kathy Hochul has previously expressed a preference for local control over data center permitting.
New York's legislature is set to pass a bill on Thursday that would implement a one-year moratorium on permitting for new data centers exceeding 5 megawatts. Business and technology advocacy groups, including the Business Council of New York and Tech:NYC, have criticized the Albany Democrats for pushing the measure, warning it will hinder economic development in the state. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Westchester) confirmed the Senate's intent to pass the bill, stating the need for a pause to review the application process for data centers.
Governor Kathy Hochul, however, has recently indicated a preference for localities to manage data center permitting, signaling a potential conflict with the statewide restriction proposed by the legislature.