Bill > S09144

This bill imposes a temporary halt, or moratorium, on the issuance of permits for new data centers, which are facilities that process, store, and transport data and consume significant amounts of electricity and water. This moratorium will remain in effect until specific environmental regulations are established and the Public Service Commission (PSC), the state agency responsible for utility oversight, takes action to address the financial impact of these facilities on electricity and gas rates for everyday consumers and businesses. The bill mandates that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) prepare a comprehensive study, known as a generic environmental impact statement, to assess the broad environmental effects of data centers, including their electricity and water usage, land use, pollution, and electronic waste generation, and to propose solutions. Concurrently, the PSC will conduct its own review and issue orders to ensure that data centers bear the full cost of the electricity and gas services they use, preventing these costs from unfairly burdening residential, commercial, and industrial users.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9144