North Country Assemblyman defends bill that puts moratorium on data center permits
New York Assemblyman Michael Cashman is defending a bill that would impose a one-year moratorium on new data center permits statewide. Supporters say the pause would give the state time to establish stronger environmental and energy standards, while AI companies argue against the restrictions.
New York Assemblyman Michael Cashman, a co-sponsor of the legislation, is advocating for a one-year pause on permits for new data centers across the state. He is scheduled to discuss the proposal at a public symposium titled "The Backlash Against AI Data Centers."
Supporters say the moratorium would allow New York to develop tougher environmental and energy standards and address the effects of data center growth on local communities. The bill follows an earlier executive order from Gov. Kathy Hochul, while AI companies have raised objections to the proposed permitting pause.