New York State Assembly, Senate Pass One-Year Data Center Moratorium
New York State lawmakers in both the Assembly and Senate passed a bill imposing a one-year moratorium on large data center projects. The legislation, opposed by Assemblyman Steve Hawley for undermining local control, is championed by Assemblymember Didi Barrett as a responsible step for state-level environmental review and information gathering.
On Thursday, the New York State Assembly and Senate both approved a bill to enact a one-year moratorium on the issuance of permits for large data center projects. The legislation, known as the "Responsible Data Center Development Act," aims to pause new developments, such as a proposed project at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park in the town of Alabama.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, voiced strong opposition to the bill during an exchange on the Assembly floor, arguing that it represents an "invasion of local control." He emphasized his belief in the ability of local governments, Economic Development Corporations (EDCs), and Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) to make informed decisions regarding data center siting. Hawley contended that the state's intervention mirrored previous actions concerning solar panel installations, which he believes usurped local authority.
Conversely, Assemblymember Didi Barrett, D-Hudson, a sponsor of the bill, disagreed with Hawley's characterization. She asserted that the legislation allows the Legislature to address the issue responsibly, collect information from other states, and ask the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to pause approvals to assess the broader picture, without halting local government functions. The bill now awaits further action, likely the Governor's signature, to become law.