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[POLITICS] · United States · 94 sources

New York Governor Hochul imposes first U.S. statewide moratorium on large AI data centers

Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order that places a one‑year statewide moratorium on the construction of new large‑scale data centers that consume 50 megawatts of power or more. The ban, the first of its kind in the United States, pauses discretionary environmental permits while the Department of Environmental Conservation prepares a Generic Environmental Impact Statement and works on uniform standards for energy, water and air‑quality impacts. Hochul said the move is needed because data‑center growth threatens to raise utility bills, deplete natural resources and create uncertainty for New Yorkers.

The order also signals a broader regulatory shift, as other states – including Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania and South Carolina – are considering similar limits. Industry observers note that New York has relatively few hyperscale projects, but the moratorium could redirect investment to states with more permissive policies. The decision has drawn political reactions, with former President Donald Trump condemning the ban and warning that it could push jobs and tax revenue to other regions. The moratorium is expected to be lifted once the new standards are finalized, and Hochul plans to pursue legislation to repeal sales‑tax exemptions for large data centers.

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