Heastie hopeful Hochul will sign data center bill despite executive order
Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order establishing a state-level moratorium of up to one year on new large data centers (50 megawatts or more) in New York. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie expressed hope that this executive order does not signify a veto for the Legislature's broader omnibus bill, which proposes a one-year ban on centers using more than 20 megawatts and includes additional provisions.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul enacted an executive order imposing a moratorium of up to one year on new large data centers, defined as those consuming 50 megawatts or more. The governor stated this action was taken to ensure responsible development of AI power infrastructure while the state considers broader legislation. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, while pleased the issue is being addressed, remains hopeful that the executive order does not foreshadow a veto for the state Legislature's omnibus bill.
Heastie indicated that his interactions with the governor suggest she is still open to discussing and potentially signing the more comprehensive bill, which calls for a one-year ban on centers using over 20 megawatts and includes other provisions not found in the executive order. Republican Assemblyman Scott Gray expressed concern that a moratorium could deter developers but hoped the executive order would lead to a rejection of what he called "egregious language" in the omnibus bill, particularly the 90% renewable energy requirement. Environmental groups, including Earthjustice, viewed the executive order as a positive step, despite their support for the broader legislative proposals.