Gov. Kathy Hochul holds roundtable on data centers
Governor Kathy Hochul held a roundtable in Kenmore, New York, to discuss the impacts of data centers. She expressed concerns about their high energy and water consumption, land use, and noise generation. Hochul also highlighted her recent signing of a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data center construction in the state due to over 30 pending projects and the potential strain on utility rates and the power grid.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul hosted a roundtable discussion in Kenmore, New York, focusing on the significant impacts of hyperscale data centers on the state's resources. Governor Hochul outlined her primary concerns, stating that these facilities consume immense amounts of energy, raise utility rates for residents and businesses, occupy vast tracts of land, and generate considerable water consumption and noise.
She announced that she recently signed the nation's first one-year moratorium on building hyperscale data centers in New York. The decision was prompted by the presence of over 30 such projects currently proposed across the state, which, if all were powered, would severely strain the electrical grid. Governor Hochul emphasized the need for a thoughtful approach to data center development, aiming to ensure New York leads in a responsible and sustainable way, working closely with state agencies and elected partners during this moratorium period.