First statewide hyperscale moratorium

In July 2026, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Executive Order 62 pausing state environmental permits for new hyperscale data centers for up to a year — the first statewide moratorium in the country — saying development "threatens to hike up utility bills, deplete our natural resources, and create uncertainty for New Yorkers." A broader legislative moratorium with ratepayer protections (A11560/S10642) passed both houses in June and awaits delivery to her desk. Update (Sept 2026): the bill has not yet been formally delivered to her desk; observers expect action by year’s end, with reports of negotiations over a less-restrictive amendment while advocates press her to sign (FingerLakes1). Meanwhile the state issued the Community Investment Framework promised under EO 62, requiring host-community payments the governor’s office describes as at least $1 million per megawatt (Governor’s office). Locally, Buffalo's Common Council advanced a two-year moratorium resolution in late September; a final local law is still pending (Spectrum News).