New York became the first US state on Tuesday to halt the construction of large new data centres, introducing a one-year moratorium as concerns grow over the impact of facilities supporting the artificial intelligence boom.
The temporary ban places New York at the center of a broader national debate over how to manage the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure.
While technology companies continue to invest heavily in new data centers, lawmakers and regulators across dozens of states are considering measures to limit their effects on electricity grids, utility costs and local communities.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the decision was driven by concerns over the increasing burden large data centres could place on residents and the state’s natural resources.
“As data centres development threatens to hike up utility bills, deplete our natural resources, and create uncertainty for New Yorkers, it’s my responsibility to take action and lead,” Hochul said in a statement.
She also said she plans to pursue legislation that would repeal sales tax exemptions currently available to large data centres.
Moratorium applies to facilities with high power demand
According to officials in the governor’s office, the construction ban will apply to data centres that consume 50 megawatts or more of electricity.
During the one-year moratorium, New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation will not issue discretionary permits for projects unless those applications have already been deemed complete.
Instead, Hochul directed state agencies to prepare a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS).
The review is intended to establish consistent statewide standards for new data centres while examining the environmental effects associated with their construction and operation.
Officials said the moratorium will remain in place until those standards are finalized.
Once the review process is complete, the temporary construction ban will be lifted.
Data centre expansion faces growing political resistance
The decision comes as opposition to large-scale data center development continues to grow across the United States.
Last month, New York’s legislature passed a bill aimed at introducing guardrails for data center development.
However, the legislation has not yet reached Hochul’s desk for consideration.
Officials described the measure as complex, saying that “it’s going to take some time to work through” with the state legislature.
The rapid expansion of data centres has significantly increased electricity demand across many parts of the country, contributing to concerns over higher utility bills and added pressure on existing power infrastructure.
Public sentiment has also become increasingly cautious.
National debate over AI infrastructure continues
Dozens of state legislatures have introduced proposals aimed at limiting the impact of data centres on electricity costs and the environment.
New York is the first state to enact a full moratorium on large new facilities.
Pressure on New York’s electricity system has continued to build.
As of May, more than 12 gigawatts of very large energy-consuming loads, including data centres, were waiting to connect to the state’s power grid, according to a recent report by the New York independent grid operator.
At the same time, data from the US Energy Department shows New York has the eighth-highest residential retail electricity prices in the country, highlighting the broader concerns surrounding energy demand as AI-related infrastructure continues to expand.
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