New York’s Data Center Moratorium Could Shape the National Debate

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul imposed a statewide data center moratorium by executive order to move quickly while broader legislation is negotiated. A competing bill from Sen. Kristen Gonzalez would tighten rules (lowering the threshold to 20 MW, creating new rate classes, and requiring public hearings), and Hochul aims to pair the order with legislation to limit tax benefits for hyperscalers. The move could serve as a national playbook for Democrats amid a wider debate on data-center expansion across states and politics.