New York Lawmakers Propose A Three-Year Pause On New Data Centers

New York Lawmakers Propose A Three-Year Pause On New Data Centers

Data Center Moratorium Proposed in New York New York state lawmakers introduced legislation this week that would freeze permits for new data centers for at least three years, citing urgent concerns about grid reliability, soaring household electricity costs, and inadequate state planning for AI infrastructure demands. Sponsored by State Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Anna Kelles, both Democrats, the bill arrives as artificial intelligence development accelerates nationwide and utilities struggle to keep pace with unprecedented power demands from massive computing facilities. Credit: Brandon Dill for The Washington Post / Getty Images The proposed moratorium isn't about stopping technological progress—it's about buying time. Lawmakers argue New York lacks comprehensive policies to manage data centers' cumulative impact on energy infrastructure, water resources, and residential utility bills before more facilities break ground. What the Bill Actually Requires Senate Bill …