New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on July 14, 2026, halting new permits for hyperscale data centers using 50 megawatts or more of power for one year — the first statewide moratorium of its kind in the United States.
July 14, 2026 · Executive Order No. 62
New York Halts New Hyperscale Data Centers
Governor Kathy Hochul signs the first statewide moratorium in the U.S. — a one-year pause on new permits for data centers drawing 50MW or more, while regulators study the AI boom's toll on energy, water, and communities.
50MW
Power threshold — permits paused at or above this level
1 yr
Length of the moratorium during environmental review
1st
Statewide data-center moratorium of its kind in the U.S.
Order vs. Pending Bill — Two Different Thresholds
Column height ∝ MW threshold. A lower threshold reaches more (smaller) projects.
50MW
Executive Order
20MW
Pending Bill
A typical hyperscale center runs ≥100MW — the order captures the very largest projects, the bill would sweep in far more.
The Responsible Data Center Development Act — Passed June 4, 2026
The broader legislative measure would pause facilities above 20MW, remove tax incentives, and add community-benefit requirements. Hochul has not yet signed it — her narrower executive order advances first.
SUPPORTERS SAY
Environmental and residential advocates welcome the focus on protecting electricity supply and water resources, and curbing local noise and pollution.
CRITICS WARN
Industry observers caution a pause could delay investment and weaken the state's competitiveness for AI infrastructure — favoring public-private cooperation over a freeze.
What Comes Next
Pause new & pending 50MW+ permits
→
Prepare Environmental Impact Statement & standards
→
Decide on signing the broader bill & funding clean power
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