New York opens comments on scope of statewide data center environmental review; deadline October 20
The study that must be finished before state permits for large data centers resume now has a draft outline, and its final shape may govern how later projects are reviewed.
Developers of large data centers in New York have until October 20, 2026 to shape the statewide study that stands between their projects and state environmental permits. On September 17, 2026, the Public Service Commission (the “Commission”), the State's utility regulator, issued a positive declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), N.Y. Envtl. Conserv. Law art. 8, and released for public comment a draft scope of a generic environmental impact statement (“GEIS”) on data centers and other large electric loads in Case 26-E-0045, the Energize NY Development proceeding on connecting large loads to the grid.
N.Y. Pub. Serv. Comm'n, Case 26-E-0045, Positive Declaration and Draft Scope (Sept. 17, 2026); N.Y. Exec. Order No. 62 (July 14, 2026); N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 6, §§ 617.8(f), 617.10(c)-(d)