New York Enacts Statewide Moratorium on Large Data Centers
New York State has enacted the nation's first statewide moratorium on new large-scale data center construction, signed as an executive order by Governor Kathy Hochul. The one-year pause will allow the state to develop new environmental and energy grid standards, addressing concerns about utility bills, water supply, and noise pollution. This moratorium applies to facilities of 50 megawatts or more, excluding those already permitted or under construction, and will lift upon finalization of an environmental impact statement.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order establishing the nation's first statewide moratorium on large-scale data center development. The order imposes a one-year pause on the construction of new data centers with a capacity of 50 megawatts or more. This temporary halt is intended to provide the state with time to develop new environmental and energy grid standards.
Governor Hochul cited several reasons for the moratorium, including concerns that progress in technology should not lead to higher utility bills, depleted water supplies, or increased noise pollution. She emphasized the need to address the challenges posed by these massive facilities before further development.
The moratorium does not affect data centers that have already begun construction or possess existing permits. It is designed to be temporary, with plans for it to be lifted once the state has finalized a generic environmental impact statement, a process that could take a year or longer.