NY on track to pass yearlong data center ban despite opposition New York lawmakers are prioritizing a statewide, one-year pause on new large-scale data centers, aiming to study their environmental and energy impacts. The legislation, expected to pass both legislative chambers, would be the first of its kind in the nation, driven by concerns over straining the power grid and complicating clean-energy goals. However, Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed skepticism, believing such decisions should be made at the local government level.

• New York lawmakers are moving to pass a statewide moratorium on new large-scale data centers.
• The proposed one-year pause is intended to allow for a study of the environmental and energy impacts of these facilities.
• This measure would be the first statewide ban of its kind in the United States.
• Lawmakers are concerned that data center expansion could strain the state’s power grid and hinder clean-energy objectives.
• Governor Kathy Hochul has indicated resistance, stating that data center development decisions should be left to local governments.
• The bill is expected to pass the state Senate and Assembly before lawmakers adjourn.