NY could approve year-long pause on data centers
The New York State legislature is considering a one-year moratorium on new data centers to address concerns about their high energy and water consumption. Bills sponsored by Assemblymember Anna Kelles and Sen. Kristen Gonzalez have enough votes to pass, but their future is uncertain due to the legislative schedule and Governor Kathy Hochul's position. Residents are encouraged to contact their legislators to support the moratorium.
The New York State legislature is on the verge of approving a one-year moratorium on new data centers, though its passage into law faces uncertainty due to the legislative schedule and Governor Kathy Hochul's ambiguous stance. Assemblymember Anna Kelles, representing the Ithaca area, and Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, representing parts of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, are sponsoring the legislation.
Sen. Gonzalez emphasized the necessity of a pause to develop better regulations for data centers, citing their substantial energy consumption, capable of powering 15,000 to 50,000 homes, and significant water usage, potentially serving 10,000 homes. The goal is to ensure data centers cover their electricity costs without raising utility bills for residents and to protect communities from adverse impacts.
Both the state Senate and Assembly bills appear to have sufficient votes for passage. However, a vote is not guaranteed before the legislature's summer recess. Sen. Gonzalez has urged New Yorkers to contact their legislators and leadership to advocate for the data center moratorium bill's approval. While Governor Hochul has expressed criticisms of data centers, she has not indicated support for a year-long moratorium.