On Thursday night the New York State Legislature passed a one-year moratorium on data centers that would pause permits. The law would also require new data center rules on utilities, energy efficiency goals, community benefits and labor standards.
On Thursday night the New York State Legislature passed a one-year moratorium on data centers that would pause permits for the facilities. The law would also require new data center rules on utilities, energy efficiency goals, community benefits and labor standards.
To go into effect the law still needs to be signed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Legislators who support the measure said a pause is needed to consider reasonable regulations to protect water and energy resources. Those opposed say individual municipalities should be able to choose on their own, and that halting data center development could make New York lose a competitive edge.
Senator Patricia Fahy said she’s heard residents concerns about the proposed site.
“The community has felt a bit caught off guard, to put it as mildly as possible,” said Fahy. “The residents are rightfully asking difficult questions. Who benefits? Who bears the cost? How do we protect the ratepayers? How do we protect our resources, natural resources and our water?”
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