New York becomes the first US state to pause new large data centers

Governor Kathy Hochul signed a one-year moratorium halting state permits for new data centers drawing 50MW or more, while New York develops uniform siting standards through a Generic Environmental Impact Statement. It is the first statewide pause of its kind, and a marker of how fast the permitting backlash is spreading — researchers found over $130 billion in data-center projects blocked or delayed by protests this year. Projects already under construction or with completed applications are exempt, and a separate legislative moratorium bill still sits unsigned on Hochul's desk.

Source: arstechnica.com ↗