New York Is the Latest State to Consider a Data Center Pause

New York Joins Ranks of States Pausing Data Center Development Amid Growing Concerns

In a move that comes as part of a growing and bipartisan backlash, New York lawmakers have introduced a bill that would impose a three-year moratorium on data center development. This makes the state at least the sixth to introduce legislation putting a pause on data center expansion in recent weeks.

The new bill, which was announced by Democratic lawmakers Liz Krueger and Anna Kelles, comes as concerns over the environmental impacts of data centers and high energy prices continue to mount. The state currently has more than 130 data centers, with several large-scale projects proposed or under construction, colliding with growing demands for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

State Senator Liz Krueger stated that Democrats and Republicans are moving forward with exactly these kinds of moratoriums, saying New York should be in the front line to get this done. The bill would require at least a three-year moratorium on issuing permits for new data centers during which time the Department of Environmental Conservation and Public Service Commission must issue reports on the impacts of data centers on the public and environment.

This move joins other states including Georgia, Maryland, Oklahoma, Vermont, and Virginia in introducing bills that would impose temporary pauses on data center development. These efforts are largely driven by growing concerns over the environmental impacts of data centers and high energy prices.

Microsoft recently rolled out a set of commitments to be a "good neighbor" in communities where it builds data centers, while state delegates in Virginia have been pushing for reforms to limit the expansion of data centers. However, some industry experts argue that while the industry is beginning to respond to concerns, more needs to be done to address these issues.

Overall, New York's move signals a growing trend towards caution and regulation in the face of increasing public concern over data center development.

the latest move by new york is pretty sweet I mean, who doesn't want to live in a state that's actually taking care of its environment? these lawmakers are on point, putting a pause on data centers can't hurt, and it's about time we start thinking about the impact of all this tech stuff on our planet. i'm loving how bipartisan this is too - democrats and republicans coming together for the greater good is something to celebrate plus, it's just good business sense to think about energy prices and sustainability before building these massive data centers... fingers crossed they can make a real difference

omg u guys! i'm low-key relieved that nyc is finally taking steps to slow down this crazy data center craze like, we're already feeling the heat with climate change and stuff, so it's not like we need even more pollution and energy consumption what's next? microsoft thinks they can just swoop in with some feel-good commitments and call it a day? idk about that... but seriously, it's about time someone took the reins and said "hey, slow down"

idk about this one . so new york is putting a 3 year moratorium on data centers but like how does that even work? aren't they just gonna build them underground or something to avoid environmental impact? and what's with the 6th state to do this? it sounds like a bunch of states are trying to solve the same problem, which is data center sustainability. didn't we already learn from california's mistakes ? i'm also curious about microsoft's claims of being a "good neighbor" in communities. how credible is that? did they just pay off some local politicians?

I'm all for this move! I mean, think about it - we're literally powering our entire lives with these massive servers . It's crazy to consider how much energy they consume and the environmental impact of building new ones. We should be looking out for ourselves and future generations here! As someone who's always on their phone (lol), I never thought twice about where my data was being stored, but now that I think about it...not so cool . This moratorium is a great step towards making things more sustainable and eco-friendly

I mean, can't believe what's going on with all these states putting brakes on data center expansion. Like, what's next? We need to think about the future, ya know? All this energy consumption and waste is a major issue. And it's not just about the environment, but our wallets too - high energy prices are killing us!

I'm glad some people are finally starting to listen and take action. The fact that Dem and Reps are on the same page on this one is awesome . Now we just gotta keep pushing for more changes and make sure these moratoriums stick. Can't let the industry just waltz back in here without addressing the concerns, you feel me?

Man, it's crazy to think that we're at this point where states are like "hey, slow down on the data centers, they're not all sunshine and rainbows" . I mean, I get why people are concerned - those things are energy suckers and it's wild how much power they consume. But at the same time, can you imagine a world without Google or Facebook? It's like, do we want to be all about being eco-friendly and cost-effective, but also holding back innovation?

I guess what I'm saying is that there needs to be a balance here. We don't need to be totally paranoid about data centers, but yeah, let's not just rush into it without thinking it through either . It's like when you're trying to make a new recipe and you're all "okay, this needs more salt" or "this needs less sugar". You gotta find that sweet spot, right?

Just saw this news about NY pausing data center development it's actually kinda awesome that they're taking steps to address environmental concerns I mean, we all know how much energy those things suck up but at the same time, you gotta think about the jobs and economic growth it's all about finding a balance, right? Some people are saying that big companies like Microsoft are finally starting to listen to public concerns so maybe this is the push they need? Either way, it'll be interesting to see how other states follow suit

data centers are getting out of control i mean, have you seen the energy consumption of some of those things? it's crazy! i'm not surprised new york is taking steps to regulate it tho, they're always on top of that kinda thing
anyway, microsoft's "good neighbor" initiative is a good start, but i think we need more than just commitments what if they actually had to pay for the environmental damage they cause? that'd be a game changer
and yeah, it's cool that these bills are bipartisan tho, at least it shows ppl are getting together on this issue

idk why ppl r so upset about data centers they just need some reg's to make sure its all sustainable & eco-friendly like, microsoft is already tryna be a good neighbor by rollin out these commits and stuff. i think its cool that NY is takin the lead on this they gotta protect their environment & people too ya know? its not just about the benjamins . lets see how this all plays out, but i'm low-key hyped for some change in the industry

I'm low-key impressed by NY joining the ranks . It's about time we start thinking about the impact on our environment , especially with all these new data centers popping up everywhere . Three years might seem like a long time, but it's better than nothing . I wish other states would follow suit, it'd be sick to see more regulation . But for real though, let's hope Microsoft and other big players take this seriously and start making some changes . It's all about being a good neighbor, right?

Data centers are like, super energy hogs ... idk how they can just keep expanding without thinking about our planet. Like, NY's on to something here 6th state already? That's some serious momentum . I'm all for sustainable practices and cost-effectiveness, so it's cool that these lawmakers are getting on board . Can't say I blame the industry experts saying more needs to be done tho... we can't just keep growing without a plan . Anyway, this move feels like a step in the right direction

Just got word about this new bill in NY, gotta say its kinda awesome that they're putting a pause on all these massive data centers . I mean, we've been talking about how eco-friendly we need to be and saving energy is key, so its time for the states to step up and make some changes . Plus, with Microsoft already making moves to be more responsible in their community development, its a great sign that others are following suit . The question is, will other states follow NY's lead? We'll have to wait and see how this all plays out

I gotta say, I'm kinda surprised that NY is one of the first states to take action on this . I mean, we're already talking about climate change and energy efficiency like it's 2023 not 1995. The fact that they're making a big deal out of this moratorium shows that people are finally waking up to the reality of how much data centers are impacting our environment .

It's not just about the energy prices, btw . It's about the actual harm that these massive facilities can cause to local ecosystems and communities. I mean, have you seen the size of some of these data centers? They're like skyscrapers with pipes and wires everywhere . It's no wonder people are getting concerned.

Anyway, I'm glad NY is taking the lead on this one . Maybe it'll inspire other states to follow suit and create some real change . Who knows, maybe we'll finally get some answers about the impact of data centers and whether they're really as "good" for the environment as companies like Microsoft claim .

just heard about NY pausing data center development and I'm like yay for the environment! all those energy-sucking servers need to chill out we need more green spaces, not concrete jungles anyway, it's cool that Dem & Reps are coming together on this one and now NY is leading the way ️ let's hope others follow suit

I'm all for it ! I mean, have you seen how much energy these data centers use? It's crazy! And the environmental impact is real too. I've heard those big ones can make a huge mess. Three years might seem like a long time, but think about it, that's actually a good thing. We need to take our time and figure out ways to make this stuff more sustainable.

I'm not against tech companies making money, but they gotta do their part too. Microsoft is trying, but we need more. I've got friends who live near those big data centers and they say it's really affecting the community. So yeah, a pause sounds like a good idea to me

Just saw this news about NY joining the states pausing data center development... stats on energy consumption alone are insane! Did you know that a single large-scale data center can consume up to 200 megawatts of electricity? That's like powering 25,000 homes! Meanwhile, in 2020, US data centers accounted for around 1% of global carbon emissions. Not great numbers, right? The bill proposing a 3-year moratorium on new data center development might be just what we need to get our energy consumption under control... but industry experts say it's only the tip of the iceberg - we need more regulation and transparency in this space! What do you think about this move? Should NY be setting an example for other states?

I think this is about time! Like, we're already seeing like, massive amounts of energy being wasted with all these power-hungry data centers. And its not just like, environmental impact or whatever... it affects our wallets too I mean, the prices are already crazy high what with the rising costs of electricity and gas... how's a person supposed to keep up? At least New York is taking a step in the right direction by pausing data center development for like 3 years or so. Maybe we can finally start thinking about sustainable options that don't involve, you know... sucking our planet dry