Reaction pours in over Hochul's data center moratorium
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order implementing a one-year moratorium on new large data center construction across the state. The decision has sparked varied reactions, with supporters citing community benefits and environmental protection, while opponents express concerns about economic development and job losses. This action aims to allow time for the state to assess the technology's impact on energy, water, and communities.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order in New York City on Tuesday, enacting a one-year moratorium on the construction of new large data centers across the state. This executive action, hailed by supporters like US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and NYPIRG, is aimed at ensuring New Yorkers have a say in how data center technology impacts their lives and communities.
Senator Gillibrand emphasized that the moratorium is about building trust and ensuring "ironclad guarantees" that energy bills won't spike, water will be protected, and air will remain clean. She also connected the state's action to her federal mission of establishing clear, reliable rules for AI innovation that protect against harmful algorithms, scams, and job displacement.
Conversely, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from groups like Upstate United. Its Executive Director, Justin Wilcox, called the moratorium "shortsighted," arguing that it kills good-paying union jobs, prolongs uncertainty for potential investors, and jeopardizes economic development. Wilcox further stated that a statewide moratorium strips away local control, hindering communities' ability to decide on pivotal projects for their economic growth and job creation, and contradicts the state's aim to be at the forefront of AI innovation.