New York becomes the first state to enact a data center moratorium

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New York State enacts a moratorium on new hyperscale data centers over 50 megawatts to address rising energy prices and environmental concerns. The bill awaits further developments that may expand restrictions, aiming to regulate future data center constructions.

New hyperscale data centers can't set up shop in New York for up to a year now that Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has signed the nation's first statewide moratorium. But a bill passed by the state legislature that could restrict even more developments still awaits her signature. The order blocks new environmental permits for data centers over 50 megawatts, which the governor's office says will give the state time to come up with the regulations needed to protect residents from rising energy prices and environmental impact. That's higher than the 20 megawatt threshold approved by state lawmakers. Hochul's office could not immediately identify th … Read the full story at The Verge.