New York Governor Hochul announces one-year pause on data center development as state mulls impact and policy

New York — Today, New York Governor Hochul signed an executive order that places a one-year moratorium on new data centers of 50 megawatts in size or greater. This initiative is designed to give the state time to establish standards for data center development and a framework for community benefits particularly as the growing list of proposed data centers would put significant pressure on the state’s electric grid.

“Growing pressure on an aging grid, without guardrails in place, risks driving up families’ electricity bills and increasing harmful pollution in communities. This executive order acknowledges the pressing questions New Yorkers have about data center development and the need for smart grid planning. State leaders should use this moment to catalyze system-wide reforms to the ways we plan, permit and pay for energy. These transformations are needed to create a modern grid that protects ratepayers and supports the clean, affordable and reliable power so critical to our state’s future.”

•  Kate Boicourt, New York State Director, Environmental Defense Fund.  

EDF is engaged in the ongoing large load interconnection proceeding at the New York Public Service Commission with a focus on protecting ratepayers from the costs of connecting data centers to the grid and ensuring these connections lower costs and reduce pollution. Achieving these objectives will be our overriding priority as we work with the state as it implements this executive order.