New York becomes first state to impose data center moratorium
New York has become the first state to impose a data center moratorium after Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order. This pauses state permitting for new data center construction for up to a year. The action addresses concerns about the strain on New York's energy grids and water resources.
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order, making New York the first state in the nation to impose a moratorium on data centers. The executive order, signed yesterday, effectively pauses state permitting for new data center construction for up to a year. This period is intended to allow state lawmakers time to consider and develop protections for residents and the environment.
Governor Hochul stated that the scale and speed of data center construction are placing an unprecedented strain on New York's energy grids and water resources. To mitigate these impacts, the governor indicated that future data centers would be required to supply their own power or pay a premium to tap into the state's existing grid.