N.Y. enacts one-year data center moratorium

ALBANY | With mounting concerns across the nation and state, the New York Legislature has passed a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data centers. The measure could make New York the first state in the nation to enact such a ban if signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Assemblyman Michael Cashman (D-Plattsburgh), a co-sponsor of the legislation, was one of the first to swiftly applaud the move, saying in full: "We have seen the impact data centers are having on communities nationwide. From straining electric grids, limiting local water supply, to increasing noise and light pollution, these data centers hit communities hard. Households are going without steady water in their kitchens and bathrooms due to the rerouting of resources to these centers. Already-high electric rates will only continue to rise with the heightened need to produce electricity." "The Legislature passed a 1-year moratorium on all data center developments across the state this afternoon, legislation (A11560) I proudly co-sponsored upon its introduction early this week. While this is not as encompassing as the 3-year moratorium bill (A10141) I rallied for in a press conference on Monday, any pause on the implementation of these centers and furthering public safety is more than welcome." "Many places have had them introduced without public input. New York State has a responsibility to its people to allow space for those discussions, especially given the concerns about the impact these data centers will have on consumer's electricity rates. We already know these digital institutions have a drastic impact on the North Country electric grid from the few Bitcoin farms that have popped up over the years. Affordability, especially in terms of electricity, has been at the forefront of my discussions in Albany and it is clear these data centers will only harm people's pockets. We simply do not have the infrastructure in place to accommodate major data centers." "We must also not lose sight of the fact that many of us fall within the Adirondack Park. Beyond the infrastructural impact of data centers coming into the region, we must consider the environmental impact bringing these centers to the North Country would have."

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N.Y. enacts one-year data center moratorium

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