New York Enacts First U.S. Statewide Moratorium on Large Data Centers
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on July 14, 2026, imposing a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centers requiring over 50 megawatts of power. The first statewide ban of its kind in the U.S. aims to develop environmental regulations, address energy grid strain, rising utility costs, and resource depletion. Exemptions apply to hospitals and universities. The move reflects growing bipartisan opposition to AI infrastructure, with polls showing 71% of Americans oppose local data centers.