NY Democratic lawmakers, environmental groups continue push for data center rules
New York lawmakers are continuing to advocate for their comprehensive data center bill, which includes a moratorium, ratepayer protections, and labor standards, despite Governor Kathy Hochul's executive order enacting a temporary, weaker moratorium. They emphasize the importance of signing the bill into law to solidify these broader protections. Hochul's executive order represents the first statewide data center moratorium in the US, reflecting growing concerns about the energy and water demands of such projects.
New York lawmakers are advocating for the enactment of their comprehensive data center bill (A11560), which includes a one-year construction moratorium, ratepayer protections, and labor standards. This push continues even after Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an executive order implementing a similar, but "slightly weaker," temporary pause on new data center permits.
State Assemblymember Anna Kelles, a key sponsor of the bill, emphasized that while the governor's executive order initiates an important process, signing the bill into law is crucial for solidifying these protections. Hochul's executive order marks the first statewide data center moratorium in the U.S., reflecting growing bipartisan concerns over the significant energy and water demands of these AI-supporting infrastructure projects. Lawmakers aim to ensure that their broader legislative measures, addressing various impacts, are made permanent.