New York Lawmakers Propose Moratorium on Large Data Center Projects to Assess Environmental Impact
New York state lawmakers have introduced a bill, S.9144, to impose a three-year moratorium on permits for new data centers exceeding 20 megawatts. The legislation, introduced by Senators Liz Krueger and Kristen Gonzalez, along with Assemblymember Anna Kelles, aims to evaluate the environmental effects of these facilities and protect electricity rates for residential customers. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to produce a comprehensive environmental impact statement covering energy use, water resources, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and electronic waste. Additionally, the Public Service Commission is tasked with reporting on cost impacts to ratepayers and ensuring that data center developers bear those costs. The bill was referred to the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee on February 6, 2026. 
