New York State Assembly Passes Data Center Moratorium Bill, Senate Vote Expected
The New York State Assembly has passed a bill proposing a one-year moratorium on data center development across the state. The bill is expected to pass the State Senate shortly. This legislative action stems from controversy surrounding a proposed data center in the Town of Portland, Chautauqua County, with environmental groups advocating for renewable energy alternatives.
A bill to implement a one-year moratorium on data center development throughout New York State has successfully passed the State Assembly. The legislation is anticipated to clear the State Senate later this week as lawmakers conclude the 2026 legislative session in Albany.
The proposed moratorium has gained traction amid local controversies, particularly concerning a planned data center in the Town of Portland, situated within Chautauqua County. Mackenzie Shuman, an environmental reporter for Buffalo News, has highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding this specific project.
Environmental advocacy groups are actively campaigning against the data center's development. The executive director of the Clean Air Coalition of WNY stated to The News that their organization is pushing for the site to be re-envisioned as a hub for renewable energy, rather than a data center.