New York bans data center construction for a year, rattling AI industry

Ars Technica · 3 months ago · 43

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a one-year moratorium on construction of large data centers, making the state the first to implement such a pause. The ban applies to facilities consuming 50 megawatts or more of power and will remain until the state develops development standards. The move reflects growing public concern about pollution, energy costs, and water depletion from data center expansion, though federal-level similar proposals face Republican opposition.