Governor Kathy Hochul signed Executive Order No. 62 creating the nation’s first moratorium on new hyperscale data centers. The order temporarily pauses State environmental permits for up to one year while DPS develops a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) covering energy demand, water use/quality, and air quality. DEC will not issue discretionary permits not already deemed complete. Once standards are finalized, the moratorium lifts subject to state, zoning, and local approvals. Energize NY proceeding will require data centers to pay more for energy or supply their own.