New York State Legislators Pass Data Center Moratorium, Governor's Signature Pending
New York State legislators have passed a one-year moratorium on large data center approvals, though Governor Kathy Hochul's decision to sign it into law remains uncertain due to political pressure. The article also highlights her encouragement of nuclear reactor construction in the Finger Lakes to address the state's power demands, including for data centers, and discusses a proposed natural gas pipeline. These developments are presented as a trifecta of environmental concerns for the state.
New York State residents are facing a trifecta of environmental concerns involving data centers, nuclear reactors, and a natural gas pipeline. The article highlights the significant electrical and water demands of data centers, as well as their noise pollution, while noting that promises of local jobs and tax revenues often fall short.
In a recent development, state legislators passed a one-year moratorium on the approval of large data centers (20 megawatts or more). However, the measure, which was reduced from an initial three-year proposal, faces an uncertain future as Governor Kathy Hochul's approval is reportedly "iffy." The Governor has expressed support for local control over land-use issues and is under strong political pressure from data center advocates to veto the bill.
Governor Hochul is also actively promoting the construction of one or more nuclear reactors in the Finger Lakes region through the New York Power Authority, with a target start date before 2033. Critics argue that this strategy, aimed at providing much-needed electricity, including for data centers, is a regressive move towards outdated and hazardous technology, creating long-term radioactive waste.
Additionally, there is renewed discussion surrounding the proposed 125-mile Constitution Pipeline, which aims to transport hydrofracked natural gas from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, to Schoharie County, New York. The pipeline was previously denied by New York State a decade ago due to water quality concerns. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin recently argued in Binghamton that the state should reverse its decision and also overturn its ban on hydrofracking, despite the ban being codified into state law.