Submission + - Albany lawmakers want to freeze data centers for three years, and thatâ(TM) (nerds.xyz)
BrianFagioli writes: New York lawmakers have introduced a bill that would freeze permits for new large data centers for at least three years while the state studies their environmental, energy, and utility impacts. The proposal targets facilities using 20 megawatts of power or more and would pause approvals statewide while regulators prepare a broad environmental impact study and rewrite rules governing energy use, water consumption, and grid costs.
Supporters argue the pause is needed to protect ratepayers and meet climate goals, but critics warn it could push data center investment, tech jobs, and AI infrastructure to other states. Rather than setting clear requirements and letting compliant projects move forward, the bill creates years of uncertainty around permitting in a sector that underpins cloud computing and modern digital services, raising questions about whether New York is choosing caution or simply opting out of the next wave of infrastructure growth.
Supporters argue the pause is needed to protect ratepayers and meet climate goals, but critics warn it could push data center investment, tech jobs, and AI infrastructure to other states. Rather than setting clear requirements and letting compliant projects move forward, the bill creates years of uncertainty around permitting in a sector that underpins cloud computing and modern digital services, raising questions about whether New York is choosing caution or simply opting out of the next wave of infrastructure growth.
