New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will sign an executive order on Tuesday halting all new data-center construction in the state for up to a year, making it the first state to enforce a ban as backlash grows against AI infrastructure and its impact on the environment and on utility prices.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul will sign an executive order putting a year-long moratorium on large new data center buildouts in the state.
Citing the governor’s office, several outlets reported the ban will target large data centers that require more than 50 megawatts of power to operate—including those still awaiting a permit.
The pause is intended to allow the state to develop new environmental regulations for such data centers and examine their impact on the power grid, among other things.
The ban will go into effect immediately, but will exclude hospitals, universities and other smaller data centers.
