Imposes a moratorium on data center permit issuance; and relates to data center rate impacts
Impact
The legislation aims to address growing concerns regarding the environmental and economic impacts of data centers, which are projected to consume more energy than entire residential populations. With 56% of the energy used for data centers sourced from fossil fuels, there is a considerable concern about the alignment of data center growth with New York's climate commitments. Additionally, the bill highlights the need to mitigate potential increases in electricity and water costs associated with these facilities, which may disproportionately affect low-income communities and contribute to broader issues of environmental justice.
Summary
Bill A10141 introduces a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers in New York State. The bill requires a thorough study of the effects of data centers on electric and gas rates affecting residential, commercial, and industrial users. This study is to be conducted by the Public Service Commission in coordination with other relevant departments and should take into account the extensive environmental impacts posed by data centers, including their contribution to electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The bill is motivated by projections that data center usage could triple nationwide, thereby significantly increasing demand for electricity and water resources in the state.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding A10141 include stakeholders' differing perspectives on the necessity and timing of the moratorium. Proponents argue that immediate action is required to safeguard resources and manage the rapid expansion of data centers which they view as unsustainable. In contrast, opponents may raise concerns about economic implications, including job loss and impacts on the technology sector, as well as the viability of New York remaining an attractive location for data center operations. The bill indicates that new regulations are to come after a comprehensive environmental impact study, pointing to a cautious approach amidst differing views on the urgency of regulation.
Same As
Imposes a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers; requires the public service commission to issue an order or orders to minimize the impact of new data centers on electricity and gas rates for residential, commercial, and industrial users; clarifies that certain provisions are applicable to the Long Island power authority.
Imposes a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers; requires the public service commission to issue an order or orders to minimize the impact of new data centers on electricity and gas rates for residential, commercial, and industrial users; clarifies that certain provisions are applicable to the Long Island power authority.
Repeals provisions relating to sale and use taxes with respect to data centers to include both personal property purchased by internet data centers and services performed on said personal property purchased by data centers.
Repeals provisions relating to sale and use taxes with respect to data centers to include both personal property purchased by internet data centers and services performed on said personal property purchased by data centers.
Prohibits the issuing of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facility siting permits in designated grassland bird conservation centers including, but not limited to, three such centers in Jefferson county, one center in Saint Lawrence county, the Oak-Orchard-Iroquois center, the Washington County Grasslands center, the Finger Lakes National Forest center and the Shawangunk Grasslands.
Prohibits the issuing of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facility siting permits in designated grassland bird conservation centers including, but not limited to, three such centers in Jefferson county, one center in Saint Lawrence county, the Oak-Orchard-Iroquois center, the Washington County Grasslands center, the Finger Lakes National Forest center and the Shawangunk Grasslands.