Hochul puts one-year pause on large data centers in New York State
Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a one-year executive order pausing new hyperscale data center permits in New York State. This action allows the state to develop an environmental impact assessment and new rules for data centers to provide their own power sources. The move addresses community concerns about utility bills, natural resource depletion, and uncertainty for residents.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has enacted a one-year moratorium on permitting hyperscale data centers across the state. The executive order, issued on Tuesday, applies to data centers exceeding 50 megawatts that have not yet secured construction permits. Governor Hochul stated that the pause is necessary to develop a comprehensive environmental impact assessment for data centers and establish consistent statewide standards.
This decision comes amidst growing community opposition over concerns about increased utility bills, depletion of natural resources, and potential strain on the state's aging electrical grid. The governor's action bypasses a similar bill passed by the state legislature, which also proposed a one-year pause, with Hochul's office indicating the executive order was a faster way to address residents' immediate concerns. Alongside the moratorium, Governor Hochul is directing the Department of Public Service to finalize rules requiring data centers to provide their own power sources and to consider creating a fund for data center developers to invest in grid infrastructure. Additionally, Empire State Development is tasked with creating a community investment framework for local governments.
The article also highlights local actions, noting that the Town of Brookhaven on Long Island is considering an 18-month moratorium. However, the governor's opponent, Bruce Blakeman, expressed opposition to a broad moratorium, arguing that individual applications should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to avoid making the state less competitive.