New York proposes one-year data center ban

New York legislators passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction requiring companies building facilities with at least 20 megawatts to fund public hearings on local impact. The ban targets large data centers and responds to public opposition with 70% of Americans opposing new builds in their area. Governor Kathy Hochul has not signed the bill, leaving it as a proposed framework. Lawmakers frame it as a temporary assessment tool rather than a permanent restriction.