New York just passed a one-year temporary ban on data centers

# Summary New York lawmakers passed legislation on June 5, 2026, that would impose a one-year moratorium on new large-scale data center permits, making it the first state to enact such a freeze. The bill aims to address soaring electricity costs driven by energy-hungry AI data centers and includes requirements for environmental impact assessments, separate utility rates for data centers, and mandatory efficiency standards. Governor Hochul has not yet committed to signing the bill, despite Democratic lawmakers pushing for action before the November election.