New York Proposes Three-Year Moratorium on Data Centers Amid Growing Opposition Across U.S.
The U.S. is facing increasing opposition to new data centers, with New York proposing a three-year moratorium on construction. This bill, introduced by state legislators Liz Krueger and Anna Kelles, aims to halt new permits while assessing environmental impacts.
Similar initiatives are underway in states like Georgia, Maryland, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Virginia, reflecting bipartisan concerns over the environmental and social implications of data centers. Currently, New York has over 130 data centers, with electricity demands from new projects reaching 10 gigawatts.
Communities worry about rising energy costs, and a recent survey shows voters support restricting data center construction. Microsoft is responding by pledging to engage positively with local communities.
