New York Gov. Kathy Hochul orders a temporary pause on building new large “hyperscale” data centers that seek to connect to the state’s electric grid. Multiple outlets report that Hochul signs an executive order creating a moratorium that delays state-level environmental air permits for these facilities for up to one year. The stated goal is to give New York time to develop a regulatory framework addressing environmental impacts and how additional power demand could affect the energy grid, while also considering effects on electricity costs for residents. Outlets describe the action as the first statewide moratorium of its kind in the United States. Separately, one report notes that a bill passed by the state legislature could further restrict additional data center development, but it awaits Hochul’s signature, meaning the future scope of restrictions may expand if she approves the legislation.