New York halts new AI data centers in first statewide moratorium

Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order on July 14 pausing state environmental permits for new hyperscale data centers — those drawing 50 megawatts or more — for up to a year. It's the first statewide moratorium of its kind, driven by worries that AI-fueled buildouts strain the grid, raise utility bills, and drain water. The state will draft tougher standards and a grid-investment fund meanwhile.