New York State lawmakers are pushing a proposal to suspend approvals for new data centres for at least three years. The bill targets facilities over 20 megawatts, demanding environmental reviews and cost safeguards amid the AI-driven construction surge.
Tech giants’ huge investments in AI infrastructure have bipartisan politicians fretting over grid strains, water use, and community impacts. Studies link these centres to soaring household electricity bills.
Senator Bernie Sanders calls for a national freeze. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warns of “higher energy bills just so some chatbot can corrupt some 13 year old kid online.”
Over 230 green groups, including Food & Water Watch, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace, urged Congress last December for a federal halt. More than 50 New York organisations backed a local moratorium. Food & Water Watch’s Eric Weltman says the bill is their brainchild, led by Democrats Liz Krueger and Anna Kelles—echoing similar efforts across states.
Krueger deems her state “completely unprepared” for the massive data centres eyeing New York. “It’s time to hit the pause button, give ourselves some breathing room to adopt strong policies on data centres, and avoid getting caught in a bubble that will burst and leave New York utility customers footing a huge bill,” she said.
Governor Kathy Hochul launched Energize NY Development last month to revamp grid ties for big users like data centres, making them “pay their fair share” amid blackout and e-waste fears.