Moratorium on Data Centers Nears Passage as N.Y. Lawmakers Wind Down
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- With only three days left in New York’s legislative session, lawmakers face a significant backlog, having passed fewer than 350 bills compared to roughly 850 in 2025.
- The slow pace of budget negotiations with Gov. Kathy Hochul delayed legislative action, with the $269 billion budget only passing last week, leaving limited time for other bills.
- Legislators have made travel plans for their districts and upcoming primary campaigns, increasing pressure on Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to prioritize bills likely to pass quickly.
- Among the key issues for floor consideration is a proposed moratorium on data centers, reflecting concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence-driven infrastructure on New York’s economy and landscape.