New York

Data center activity in New York

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Regulatory Environment Score
C
+22 pts

New York's regulatory environment is shaped by extensive moratorium activity, with at least 31 moratoriums enacted and none reported as rejected, indicating that local moratorium efforts consistently succeed. Only 2 zoning approvals have been reported with no denials, suggesting either limited development reaching the zoning phase or underreporting of zoning outcomes. At least 2 projects have been blocked and 7 lawsuits filed, adding legal complexity. Despite these challenges, at least 48 companies remain active, reflecting New York's critical role as a connectivity hub. Compared to neighboring New Jersey, where both moratorium and opposition dynamics are more severe, New York's challenges are concentrated primarily in the moratorium arena rather than in active project blocking.

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News ClipThe New York Times·NY

The Movement to Stop Data Centers$

This article from The New York Times discusses a broad movement dedicated to opposing data center developments. The content likely covers various aspects and instances of community pushback against data center projects across different regions.

6/9/2026
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne expresses strong opposition to plans for large-scale Massena data centre
News ClipCornwall Seaway News·Massena, St. Lawrence County, NY

Mohawk Council of Akwesasne expresses strong opposition to plans for large-scale Massena data centre

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) is strongly opposing a proposed large-scale data center expansion in Massena, New York, citing concerns about environmental impacts, significant energy and water demands, and inadequate consultation. The MCA emphasizes that economic development should not compromise environmental integrity or community well-being. The proposed expansion by developers affiliated with NYDIG and NCCS at the former Alcoa East site would require approximately 635 megawatts of electricity.

6/9/2026
Sen. Gonzalez breaks down bill to pause construction of new large data centers
News ClipSpectrum News NY1·NY

Sen. Gonzalez breaks down bill to pause construction of new large data centers

New York state lawmakers have passed a bill to implement a one-year moratorium on the construction of new large-scale data centers. The legislation, which addresses concerns about the state's energy grid, is now awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul's signature to take effect. State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez explained that the pause is necessary due to the energy grid's inability to power such large facilities.

6/9/2026
Meta funds skilled trades jobs program for AI data center buildout
News Clip93.3 The Drive·NY

Meta funds skilled trades jobs program for AI data center buildout

Meta is investing $115 million into America's Workforce Academy, a new cost-free training program for data center technician jobs. This program guarantees job offers to graduates and aims to support Meta's extensive AI data center buildout across the United States. The investment is part of Meta's larger $600 billion pledge for U.S. infrastructure and jobs over the next three years.

6/9/2026
News ClipWWNY·Massena, St. Lawrence County, NY

Data center moratorium raises questions about Massena projects

A proposed one-year data center moratorium has passed the New York state legislature and awaits the governor's signature, raising concerns about its impact on planned projects in Massena. Lawmakers are seeking to better understand the energy and environmental impacts of data centers. Critics argue it sends a negative message to developers and question the feasibility of its renewable energy requirements.

6/8/2026
Differing Opinions on Data Center Pause
News ClipAudacy·NY

Differing Opinions on Data Center Pause

New York state lawmakers recently passed a one-year moratorium on data center construction, enacted just before the end of the legislative session. This decision has ignited ongoing debate over the controversial projects, with differing opinions on the pause in development.

6/8/2026
News ClipSyracuse.com·NY

New York editorial calls for repeal of data center tax break$

An editorial board opinion from Syracuse.com argues that New York State should repeal its lucrative tax break for data centers. The opinion suggests the current tax incentive is outdated and primarily benefits large, billion-dollar data center companies.

6/7/2026
New York Legislature Approves One-Year Moratorium on Large Data Centers, New Regulations
News ClipTimes Union·Albany, Albany County, NY

New York Legislature Approves One-Year Moratorium on Large Data Centers, New Regulations$

New York lawmakers have approved a one-year moratorium on large data centers and enacted new regulations to address their impact on the state's power grid. The legislation also mandates studies on data center energy and water use, pollution, and electronic waste, while requiring developers to use renewable energy over time. The governor will now decide whether to sign the bill.

6/7/2026
Assemblyman pushes governor to sign moratorium bill
News Clip2:21WGRZ-TV·Buffalo, Erie County, NY

Assemblyman pushes governor to sign moratorium bill

Assembly member Jonathan Rivera is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a bill that would enact a one-year moratorium on a proposed $2 billion AI data center at the former Tonawanda Coke site in Western New York. Residents and environmental advocates have voiced strong opposition, citing past unfulfilled job promises and environmental pollution. The New York State legislature has already passed the moratorium bill, which seeks to delay the project and implement protections for communities.

6/7/2026