Hochul defends data center moratorium
Kathy Hochul defended New York’s one-year moratorium on new data center facilities, saying the state was first in the nation to adopt such a pause. She cited anxiety across New York about the potential effects of large hyperscale data centers, while facing criticism that the moratorium rejects a fast-growing industry.
Kathy Hochul defended New York’s one-year moratorium on new data center facilities, describing it as a pioneering effort to address concerns about the rapid expansion of hyperscale campuses. She said residents across the state are anxious about the potential effects of massive data centers.
Hochul was challenged over why state officials did not bring stakeholders together to negotiate instead of imposing a moratorium. The discussion framed the policy as a response to public concern while opponents characterized it as a rejection of one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.