local
New York puts yearlong moratorium on new data centers, citing energy and climate risks
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 15, 2026
· 3 min read
No large data centers can be built in New York for up to a year as the state creates rules to protect the environment and its energy grid from the power-hungry facilities fueling artificial intelligence.Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order Tuesday imposing the country's first statewide mor...
Key takeaway President Donald Trump has warned states not to slap regulations on the AI industry, echoing tech companies in arguing such moves hamper job growth and cede ground to China in a race to lead in the rapidly growing field.
Why this matters in The Waco
While New York's moratorium on new data centers may seem distant from Waco , the issue of balancing economic growth with environmental and energy concerns is highly relevant to our community. As McLennan County continues to attract new businesses and industries, local leaders must consider the potential impacts on our energy grid and natural resources. The fact that over a dozen states have proposed similar moratoriums suggests that this is a nationwide issue that will likely have implications for Texas and our region. As Waco's economy grows, it's crucial that our city and county officials prioritize sustainable development and carefully evaluate the environmental and energy demands of new projects, including potential data centers, to ensure that progress doesn't come at the expense of our community's quality of life.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? No large data centers can be built in New York for up to a year as the state creates rules to protect the environment and its energy grid from the power-hungry facilities fueling artificial intelligence.Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order Tuesday imposing the country's first statewide mor...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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