New York State pauses all new data center projects

An executive order from Gov. Hochul prohibits new data center permits until the state finalizes an environmental review of their impacts.

1 minute read

July 15, 2026, 5:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York speaking at a podium in front of a dark blue wall and American flag.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. | lev radin / Shutterstock

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order that halts permitting for new data centers over 50 megawatts, reports Tim De Chant in TechCrunch.

The order could affect roughly a dozen project proposals. According to De Chant, "The moratorium will be lifted once the state finalizes an environmental review process for data centers, which Hochul expects will take about a year. Hochul’s office is also considering requiring data centers to pay into a fund that would support the state’s electrical grid, and she would like to prevent hyperscale data centers from receiving tax benefits." 

New York is the first state to put a statewide moratorium into practice, De Chant adds. A Maine bill that would have paused new data centers passed in that state's legislature, but was vetoed by its governor. 

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in TechCrunch

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A crane lifts a manufactured house, with is rectangular and does not yet have a roof.

HUD modernizes 50-year-old manufactured housing framework

The Next Generation Manufactured Housing Action Plan establishes new energy-efficiency standards for manufactured homes, and new guidelines for anchoring them.

October 8, 2026 - Boston Real Estate Times

An unfinished piece of California’s high-speed rail project in Fresno.

After $600,000 wasted, CA high-speed rail board limits CEO’s power

Ian Choudri will no longer be able to sign, change or manage contracts.

October 13 - Cal Matters

A lithium plant in California. Pollution billows into the sky.

Lithium mines leech water from surrounding communities. Soon, they’ll run dry

Researchers concluded that most lithium mines won't have enough water to meet industry demands by 2050.

October 13 - Inside Climate News

A person in a bright green jacket stares down a culvert, a pipe meant to divert rainwater from roads.

El Niño takes lives, infrastructure as U.S. storm systems prove ill-prepared

About two-thirds of America's culverts are in states with outdated design standards.

October 13 - The Washington Post