New York Proposes 'Strongest-in-the-Nation' Data Center Moratorium

The proposed three-year pause aims to address the extreme energy demands and environmental impacts of data centers.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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In response to growing concerns about the energy demands and environmental impacts of data centers, Democratic legislators in New York have proposed a three-year moratorium on new data center projects exceeding 20 megawatts. The bill, introduced by state Sen. Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Anna Kelles, would halt new data center construction and require the state to conduct environmental reviews and propose new regulations.

Why it matters

Data centers are projected to account for over half the increase in U.S. electricity demand over the next 25 years, costing billions and contributing significantly to carbon emissions. In New York, data centers are straining the power grid and driving up utility prices, while having little positive impact on local economies. The proposed moratorium aims to address the affordability and climate crises exacerbated by the rapid expansion of these energy-intensive facilities.

The details

The bill would halt new data center projects exceeding 20 megawatts for three years and require the state to conduct environmental reviews and propose new regulations to address any identified impacts. Supporters argue that data centers increase pollution, drive up electricity costs, and threaten farmland and natural resources, while disproportionately impacting low-income and minority communities.

  • The bill was introduced on February 6, 2026.

The players

Liz Krueger

A Democratic state senator who introduced the data center moratorium bill.

Anna Kelles

A Democratic assemblymember who introduced the data center moratorium bill.

Food & Water Watch

An environmental group that called the proposed moratorium the "strongest data center moratorium bill in the country."

Jessica González-Rojas

A Democratic assemblymember who is a supporter of the legislation.

Eric Weltman

The senior New York organizer at Food & Water Watch, who said the bill is necessary to curb "one of the biggest environmental and social threats of our generation."

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What they’re saying

“New Yorkers are suffering from an affordability crisis and a climate crisis, and data centers are going to make both of those much harder to deal with.”

— Liz Krueger, State Senator

“Data centers are being built rapidly and with little meaningful oversight, despite the serious strain they place on our energy system, water resources, and local communities.”

— Jessica González-Rojas, Assemblymember

“This expansion is rapidly increasing demand for dirty energy, straining water resources, and raising electricity rates for families and small businesses. New Yorkers are paying the price while Big Tech rakes in the riches. This strongest-in-the-nation moratorium bill is logical, it's timely, and it will deliver the results we need.”

— Eric Weltman, Senior New York Organizer, Food & Water Watch

What’s next

The bill will now go through the legislative process in New York, with a vote expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

The proposed data center moratorium in New York highlights the growing concerns about the environmental and economic impacts of the rapid expansion of energy-intensive data centers, and sets a precedent for other states to consider similar measures to address these challenges.