New York Governor Signs Nation's First Statewide Data Center Moratorium, Blocking New Permits for Large Facilities

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs the nation's first statewide data center moratorium, blocking new environmental permits for facilities over 50 megawatts for up to a year as regulators develop standards to address rising energy costs, water use, and air quality concerns amid a nationwide pushback against AI-driven data center expansion.

• New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs the nation's first statewide data center moratorium, blocking new environmental permits for data centers over 50 megawatts for up to a year while regulators develop standards to protect residents from rising energy costs and environmental harm.
• The executive order gives the Department of Public Service time to establish frameworks assessing water use, air quality, and energy infrastructure impacts, while a separate, stricter bill passed by state lawmakers — featuring a lower 20 megawatt threshold and renewable energy and labor requirements — still awaits Hochul's signature.
• The move reflects growing nationwide pushback against AI-driven data center expansion, with Hochul also announcing plans to roll back sales tax exemptions for large data centers when the legislature reconvenes next year.