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Key developments
New York pauses new hyperscale data centers
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a July 14 executive order establishing what the state described as the first statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centers. The order pauses discretionary environmental permits for up to one year for projects of 50 MW or more while the Department of Public Service develops a Generic Environmental Impact Statement and the Energize NY proceeding, including possible requirements that operators pay more for grid power or supply their own. Empire State Development must issue a Data Center Community Investment Framework within 60 days to guide local benefit negotiations.
Why it matters
The order makes grid-cost allocation, environmental review and community benefits central conditions for large AI infrastructure growth in a major U.S. state.
Sources & driving stories
EMPIRE STATE DEVELOPMENT
Empire State Development coverageABC NEWS
ABC News coverageREUTERS · Hugo Lhomedet and Cian Muenster
Reuters coverageMarkey drafts federal certification regime for data centers
Sen. Edward Markey released a July 13 discussion draft of the Protecting Communities from Data Center Impacts Act. The proposal would require data centers to obtain a federal certificate before permitting and construction, with approval tied to public-interest findings and minimum energy, environmental and economic standards. It also proposes grants for community technical assistance to monitor and mitigate air, water, noise and public-health impacts.
Why it matters
The draft shifts the debate from local zoning fights toward a possible national preconstruction review framework for data center harms.
Sources & driving stories
U.S. SENATOR EDWARD J. MARKEY
U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey coveragePennsylvania adds annual data center reporting
Utility Dive reported that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a 2026-2027 budget measure requiring data centers in the state to report exact water and power usage annually. The measure, incorporating House Bill 1924, directs the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to strengthen oversight of utility load forecasts submitted to PJM Interconnection and authorizes $10,000-per-day fines for noncompliance. Required disclosures include peak hourly energy use, prior-year consumption, next-year demand projections and steps to generate power on or off site to reduce grid or emissions impacts.
Why it matters
Pennsylvania is targeting the data-quality and load-forecasting gaps that affect grid planning, PJM capacity assumptions and ratepayer exposure.
Sources & driving stories
UTILITY DIVE
Utility Dive coverageWorth noting
WORTH NOTING
Local pauses spread beyond New York
Jackson, Mississippi voted 5-2 for a 183-day hold, Roane County, Tennessee commissioners asked planners to draft a two-year pause, and Allentown, Pennsylvania is preparing a special review of a contested project that predates new siting rules.
WORTH NOTING
Nashville records show 100MW scenario
The Tennessean reported utility records modeled DC BLOX's Nashville Zoo-adjacent campus at up to 100 MW by 2034, compared with public planning documents describing roughly 50 MW, as the city advances zoning and moratorium measures.
WORTH NOTING
CleanSpark signs $6.6B lease
CleanSpark announced a 20-year lease for a Sandersville, Georgia data center campus with 175 MW of critical IT load planned from late 2027, showing large commercial deals are still moving despite regulatory backlash.
Still unclear
OPEN QUESTION
Which projects get grandfathered?
New York exempts permits already deemed complete, while Allentown's disputed Emmaus Avenue proposal is not covered by new local rules because it was submitted earlier.
OPEN QUESTION
Will large-load tariffs become standard?
New York, Pennsylvania and New Mexico discussions all point toward requiring data centers to bear more grid costs through premium rates, dedicated classes or direct generation commitments.