New York senator urges Hochul to sign data center bill as moratorium takes effect
New York lawmakers are pushing for stricter oversight of large-scale data centers amid community concerns. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Responsible Data Center Development Act, following the enactment of a yearlong statewide moratorium on data center construction. The bill aims to provide communities with more information and control over potential data center developments.
New York lawmakers are advocating for increased oversight of large-scale data centers across the state, with Senator Kristen Gonzalez calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Responsible Data Center Development Act. This push comes as a new yearlong moratorium on large-scale data center construction, enacted via executive order, has taken effect statewide.
The proposed legislation, which passed the state Senate with nearly 70 percent of votes, seeks to address resident concerns regarding data center projects, including the controversial Kenwood proposal in Albany. Assemblymember Gabriella Romero highlighted local opposition in Albany, where some residents are calling for either tighter regulation or an outright ban on data centers. While one rally attendee expressed support for a statewide ban, Senator Gonzalez believes it's premature for such a discussion, emphasizing the need for more information on potential impacts and empowering individual communities to decide on data center development in their neighborhoods.
The Responsible Data Center Development Act is designed to ensure communities have answers to their questions about data centers before construction begins, allowing for informed local decision-making on the future of hyperscale developments.