Climate Leadership. Gonzalez is putting environmental protection first by pausing data centers that could strain New York's aging energy grid and harm local communities.
41D AGOUSU.S. SENATOR KRISTEN GONZALEZAI
Gonzalez Champions Year-Long Data Center Moratorium
What's the gist?
New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez wrote legislation creating a one-year pause on building large data centers to look into energy grid strain and environmental concerns. The bill passed both the state Assembly and Senate, waiting for Governor Hochul's signature.
Context
New York could become the first state to ban large data centers, temporarily. The legislature passed the Responsible Data Center Development Act targeting facilities over 20MW, with 28 projects currently awaiting approval that would add 9,682MW to the grid. Gonzalez, chair of both the Internet and Technology and Elections committees, said the state's grid doesn't have the energy to power these centers as AI use increases.
Positive takes
Standing Up to Big Tech. The senator is drawing a line against tech giants who've been writing their own rules, ensuring New Yorkers have control over their energy future.
Protecting Working Families. The moratorium includes ratepayer protections to prevent residents from facing higher electricity bills caused by massive data center energy demands.
Negative takes
Economic Sabotage. Critics argue the moratorium could cost communities hundreds of millions in tax revenue and high-wage jobs while sending signals that New York is closed for business.
Government Overreach. Opponents say this blanket ban supersedes local control and punishes all communities for problems that may not be universal across the state.
Stifling Innovation. The pause could force New York to lose critical digital infrastructure investment to neighboring states at a time when AI and tech growth drive economic development.
— by VoiceWhat's Voice? Read this.
News sources
- 01
Spectrum News Staff · Spectrum News NY1 · June 8, 2026
- 02
Sanya Mansoor · The Guardian · June 6, 2026
- 03
Nicole Neuman · Spectrum News · June 3, 2026
- 04
Politico Staff · Politico · June 2, 2026
- 05
Broadband Breakfast Staff · Broadband Breakfast · June 8, 2026
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