Gonzalez Urges Hochul to Sign Data Center Bill
State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez renewed her push for broader restrictions on large data center facilities in New York.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Data Centers
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State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez urged Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the Responsible Data Center Development Act, which passed both legislative chambers in June. The bill would cover facilities using 20 megawatts or more, below the 50-megawatt threshold in the governor's existing moratorium.
Why it matters
Supporters say large facilities could strain electricity infrastructure and water supplies, while critics warn tighter rules could cause New York to lose investment to other states. The official bill record lists the measure as passed but not yet signed into law.
The proposed bill would apply to facilities of 20 megawatts or more, versus the 50-megawatt threshold in Hochul's existing moratorium. The governor has not yet acted on the legislation, and its final status remains open.
The players
Kristen Gonzalez
A New York state senator who has pushed for broader restrictions on large data center facilities.
Kathy Hochul
The Governor of New York, who issued an executive order pausing certain hyperscale data center permitting and has not yet acted on the pending bill.
Samra Brouk
A New York state senator whose office is participating in the Nov. 10 Rochester data center event.
The details
The Responsible Data Center Development Act would establish requirements for environmental review, utility rate classifications, and labor protections for covered facilities. Hochul issued an executive order in July pausing certain new hyperscale data center permitting, and a Rochester community discussion on regional projects is set for Nov. 10.
Timeline
June: The Responsible Data Center Development Act passed both legislative chambers.
July: Hochul issued an executive order pausing certain new hyperscale data center permitting.
Nov. 10, 6 p.m.: A data center discussion is held at First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 S. Winton Road.
Big Picture
The pending bill would lower the coverage threshold to 20 megawatts, extending the governor's July executive order, which applies to facilities at the 50-megawatt level. Whether the state moves from a temporary executive pause to a statutory framework depends on the governor's decision on the bill.
If enacted, the bill would affect how new large data centers are reviewed and how utility rates are classified for those facilities. Residents near proposed projects would see those environmental and rate rules apply to future developments.
The takeaway
Whether New York adopts a statutory data center framework or relies on executive action will shape how the state balances infrastructure demands against investment competitiveness. Residents following local projects should watch the governor's decision on the pending bill.
Further reading
Explore more on Data Centers coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fingerlakes1.
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Should New York pass stricter rules on large data centers' electricity and water use?
