New York Lawmakers Propose Moratorium on Data Center Construction Amid Energy Concerns
New York state lawmakers have introduced a bill proposing a three-year moratorium on the construction and operation of new data centers. This legislative move reflects growing concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of data centers, which are increasingly being built to support AI infrastructure. The bill, sponsored by state senator Liz Krueger and assemblymember Anna Kelles, both Democrats, aims to address the potential strain on local energy resources and the associated rise in electricity costs for residents. The proposal comes as part of a broader national conversation, with similar moratoriums being considered in other states like Georgia, Vermont, Virginia, Maryland, and Oklahoma. Environmental groups, including Food & Water Watch and Greenpeace, have voiced support for such measures, citing the need for sustainable energy policies.