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Lawmakers in 11 States Propose Temporary Bans on Data Centers

Lawmakers in at least 11 states introduced bills this session to temporarily ban data centers, spanning Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin, Good Jobs First said.
Officials say rising electricity costs and grid strain drive moratoriums, while environmental advocates warn data centers consume vast water and increase fossil-fuel risks.
In New York, lawmakers proposed a bill to halt new data centers over 20 megawatts for three years and direct the DEC to study their impacts, sponsored by Anna Kelles and Liz Krueger.
Several bills have already stalled or been tabled as labor unions and builders oppose moratoriums, while cities and counties like St. Charles and Fulton County have enacted temporary bans over the past year.
Policy analysts note that state proposals like Georgia's starting July 1, 2026, and Vermont's until July 2030 could slow AI infrastructure growth and intersect with President Donald Trump's December 2025 executive order.

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