New York issues moratorium on ‘hyper scale’ data centers

by Halimat Olunlade, Social Media Manager

Photo Credit: Nina Berman

Communities across the country have been fighting data centers since the beginning of cloud computing, and the state of New York just became the first to win. 

Heeding the complaints of her constituents, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order last week banning all permits for hyperscale data centers for one year as the state firms up its environmental review plan. So far, New York is the only state in the country to issue such a ban.

Hyperscale data centers are those with power capacity exceeding 50 megawatts, or enough energy to power tens of thousands of homes. With that much power at stake, the state decided to halt any new projects until it can create a plan to review their projected environmental and health impacts on nearby communities. And this isn’t just a problem for the most vulnerable human communities either, recent news around Nashville Zoo has shown that endangered animals are also in the line of fire. 

This move is a powerful step in the right direction for all communities concerned about water and noise pollution, as existing facilities have already proven to be a nuisance and health hazard for their neighbors by producing constant harmful noise and air pollution while burdening the electrical grid and water supply. Before this win, NY state legislators passed a more progressive bill that would have put stricter regulations on smaller facilities and required companies to power centers with renewable energy, but this was not signed into law by the Governor. But the hope is that the momentum keeps growing and that other states continue to put people over profits.