As large-scale data centers dominate elections, New York considers regulations
Anti-data-center advocates protested in Albany as New York develops regulations for large-scale and AI data centers. Gov. Kathy Hochul has imposed a one-year moratorium on new large-scale facilities, while the Department of Public Service studies their effects on electricity costs, the grid, water, air quality and communities.
Protesters gathered at the New York State Capitol in Albany to criticize what they described as a rushed state process for regulating energy-intensive AI data centers. Environmental advocates, including Food and Water Watch senior organizer Eric Weltman and Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter conservation director Roger Downs, said the state must more fully assess potential effects on water supplies, air quality, public health and utility costs.
Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers in July and directed state agencies to develop safeguards for residents, ratepayers and the environment. The Department of Public Service is conducting a generic environmental impact review of large-scale data centers and their effects on the electric grid, with public comments and hearings planned. State officials said the review will address environmental, land-use, noise and public-health concerns, while industry representatives argued that flexible computing loads could help maintain grid reliability during periods of peak demand.