After Hochul's data center moratorium, her Republican challenger blasts the idea
New York Governor Kathy Hochul enacted a year-long moratorium on large-scale data centers to study their impact on the state's energy grid. Her Republican gubernatorial challenger, Bruce Blakeman, criticized the decision, arguing it would cost jobs and that developers should provide their own power. Blakeman also proposed overturning the state's fracking ban and reopening nuclear power plants.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has enacted a first-in-the-nation year-long moratorium on large-scale data center construction across the state. Governor Hochul stated that the pause is necessary to allow the state to study the issue, particularly concerning the impact on New York's energy grid.
Bruce Blakeman, the Republican Nassau County Executive and Hochul's gubernatorial challenger, swiftly condemned the decision. Blakeman argued that the moratorium would result in a significant loss of both construction and permanent jobs within the state. He suggested that data center operators should be responsible for providing their own power sources and contributing to grid improvements, claiming developers he's spoken with are willing to do so. Blakeman further criticized Hochul's clean energy mandates and reiterated his support for overturning the state's ban on fracking for natural gas, citing New York's large reserves. He also advocated for reopening the Indian Point nuclear power plant and encouraging nuclear microreactors, though Hochul has called for adding five new nuclear power plants herself.