New York halts issuance of new permits for hyperscale data centers for one year

The first state in the US to halt construction of hyperscale data centers, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signs an executive order placing a one-year moratorium on new environmental approvals. A similar bill is already law in the state, but awaiting her signature.

Big Tech has had relatively unfettered access to expand server farms, limited only by land and energy availability. With New York’s move, for the first time, concerns about the energy use of artificial intelligence have led to a comprehensive state ban. Other states will surely be looking at Albany for inspiration.