ALBANY – Assemblywoman Didi Barrett (D, Hudson) and Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D, Brooklyn/Queens/Manhattan) are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation establishing new regulations for large-scale data centers in the state.
The lawmakers sent a letter to Hochul signed by 60 members of the state Assembly and Senate supporting the Responsible Data Center Development Act.
The legislation, A.11560/S.10642, passed the state Legislature with bipartisan support and would establish regulations governing the development of large-scale data centers, including provisions addressing energy affordability, electric grid reliability and environmental sustainability.
The lawmakers said the legislation would provide permanent requirements for data center development and greater certainty for communities, utilities, workers, businesses and investors.
Hochul issued an executive order establishing a moratorium on new data centers as the state considers the potential impacts of the facilities.
“Governor Hochul’s executive order establishing the first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers was an important and timely first step — but it’s clear that our work is not done,” Barrett said.
Barrett said the legislation would provide a framework for regulating data center development while addressing concerns about energy costs, grid reliability and the environment.
Gonzalez said the legislation responds to concerns raised by residents about the growth of large data centers, including potential impacts on utility bills and quality of life.
“Governor Hochul must sign this bill into law for New York to remain a leader in sustainability efforts,” Gonzalez said.
The lawmakers are seeking additional support from their colleagues as Hochul considers the legislation.
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