New York lawmakers passed the Responsible Data Center Development Act in June 2026, a bill that would impose a one-year moratorium on certain permits for large data centers while the state studies energy, environmental, labor, and community impacts. The bill awaited the governor’s action after clearing both chambers. Supporters argue that AI-driven data-center growth can strain the grid, water systems, land use, and ratepayers. Opponents argue that a statewide pause could chill investment, jobs, and infrastructure that the digital economy needs. A pause is blunt, but it may be the only way to study the grid and water impacts before projects become too far along to change.