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A 10141

Imposes a moratorium on data center permit issuance; and relates to data center rate impacts

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and 28 co-sponsors

Imposes a moratorium on new data center permits in NY and requires analysis of how such centers affect electricity rates and utility costs.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 10141

Summary of Bill A 10141 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill imposes a moratorium on issuing new permits for data centers in New York.
  • It also relates to assessing and potentially addressing rate impacts associated with data centers.
  • The overarching aim appears to be slowing or reorganizing the rapid expansion of data centers to study and mitigate environmental, energy, and local impact concerns, while evaluating economic effects on utility rates and local communities.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Moratorium on Data Center Permits

    • Prohibits the issuance of new permits for constructing or expanding data centers for a defined period (the text provided does not specify the exact duration; the bill would detail interim and extension provisions if enacted).
    • Likely applies to state permits, and may include local permitting pathways or coordination requirements with municipalities.

  • Rate Impact Considerations

    • Requires analysis or consideration of how data centers affect electricity rates and utility costs for customers or ratepayers.
    • May mandate a study, reporting, or regulatory actions to determine whether data centers create disproportionate rate burdens or require special tariffs/rebates.

  • Compliance and Reporting

    • Would necessitate periodic reports or an environmental/conservation oversight mechanism to review the moratorium’s effectiveness and ongoing data center impacts.
    • Potentially directs state agencies (e.g., Department of Environmental Conservation, Public Service Commission, or related environmental and energy offices) to publish findings and recommend policy options.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Data Center Developers and Operators

    • Face a temporary halt on new permit issuances for data centers; expansions and possible exemptions may be defined in the bill.

  • Local Governments and Communities

    • Communities hosting data centers could experience changes in permitting timelines and approval processes, with potential environmental and grid impact considerations.

  • Utilities and Ratepayers

    • Utilities could be required to provide data and participate in rate impact analyses; customers may ultimately see rate-related policy adjustments or protections.

  • State Agencies

    • Agencies overseeing environmental conservation, energy policy, and permitting would implement the moratorium, conduct analyses, and issue guidance or regulations.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee (as of 2026-02-09), indicating the bill is at the committee review stage.
  • If advanced, the bill would go through typical legislative steps: committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes in the New York State Assembly, and, if passed, consideration by the Senate and the governor.
  • Timelines for the moratorium duration, renewal, exemptions, and sunset (if any) would be specified in the bill text and any amendments.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Environmental and Local Impact: A data center moratorium could reduce energy and water demand pressures in sensitive areas, improve planning for infrastructure, and provide time to assess environmental trade-offs.
  • Economic Effects: The rate-impacts provision aims to ensure utilities and consumers are protected from unexpected rate increases; the moratorium could affect data-center-related job growth, tax revenue, and regional development plans.
  • Policy Precedent: Depending on the bill’s design, it could set a framework for how New York manages large-energy users and future tech infrastructure expansion.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated objectives and typical provisions inferred from the bill’s title and action history. For precise language, definitions, exemptions, duration, and implementation details, the full text of A 10141 and any amendments would be required.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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