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Hochul Bans New >50MW Data Centers Until 2027, Trump Criticizes

7/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Governor Kathy Hochul signed an order banning new hyperscale data centers in New York until July 2027.
The ban applies to facilities requiring 50 megawatts or more and spares projects with existing permits.
It directs the Department of Public Service to create a Grid Acceleration Fund that obligates operators to fund state grid upgrades.
U.S. President Donald Trump called the moratorium a terrible decision on Truth Social.

History

Historical Context

The EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive, approved 25 October 2012 and requiring a 1.5 % yearly cut in data-center power, forced major firms to report use, revealing U.S. centers consume about 70 TWh (?2 % of national electricity). Building on that framework, New York’s 2024 ban on projects over 50 MW, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, follows earlier state actions such as California’s 2018 CPUC grid-upgrade rules.

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Story summary

Governor Kathy Hochul signed an order banning new hyperscale data centers in New York until July 2027.
The ban applies to facilities requiring 50 megawatts or more and spares projects with existing permits.
It directs the Department of Public Service to create a Grid Acceleration Fund that obligates operators to fund state grid upgrades.
U.S. President Donald Trump called the moratorium a terrible decision on Truth Social.

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