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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order July 14 making the state the first in the nation to implement a moratorium on new hyperscale data centers.
The Democratic governor said she would pause environmental permits while the state researches and develops a regulatory framework to protect ratepayers, the environment, the energy grid and communities. Four hyperscale data centers are already operational in New York, with at least 39 pending applications. The facilities have sparked concerns over their potential energy and water consumption at a time when there is overwhelming scientific consensus about the need to conserve energy and stem the fossil fuel emissions warming the global climate and intensifying disasters.
The New York Legislature approved a broader moratorium on data centers back in June, however, there were doubts over whether Hochul, who is up for re-election this year, would sign the measure, as she’s previously stated the issue should be left to municipalities.
“This pause will remain in place for up to one year while New York establishes the strongest possible framework to protect our communities, guardrails to reduce the risk to our energy grid, minimize land disruption, noise pollution and protect our natural resources, especially our water supply,” said Hochul.
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📸 Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
