What is the controlling instrument?
A bill, executive action, zoning ordinance and agency permit pause have different legal effects.
Look for: Introduced text, enacted ordinance, order or agency noticePublic-process field guide
Data center
moratoriums
Verify the legal instrument, status, scope, exceptions and sunset date before calling a proposal, permit pause or zoning measure a ban.
What stage has it reached?
Introduced, passed one chamber, enacted, vetoed and in effect are not interchangeable.
Look for: Official action history and final signed textWhich projects are covered?
Definitions, thresholds, complete applications and grandfathering clauses determine scope.
Look for: Definitions and applicability sectionWhen does it end?
Temporary measures usually contain a sunset, study period or trigger for replacement rules.
Look for: Effective-date and sunset provisionsVERIFIED STARTING POINTS
Open the record,
not a claim
These sources are selected because they expose a controlling document or official proceeding relevant to this issue. They do not form a complete national inventory.
MDMoratorium proposal
Public-hearing record · Introduced May 12, 2026
Bill 24-26E: proposed two-year building-permit moratorium
The introduced bill would prohibit the county Department of Permitting Services from issuing a building permit for a data center and would sunset two years after taking effect.
NYState permit pause
In effect · Announced July 14, 2026
Temporary pause on certain new hyperscale permits
The governor's office says DEC will pause discretionary permits not already deemed complete while the state develops a generic environmental review and regulatory framework.
PUBLIC-RECORDS CHECKLIST
Ask for the document
that answers the question
- Exact introduced and final text
- Official action history and vote record
- Legal definition of covered data centers
- Grandfathering and complete-application provisions
- Effective date, sunset and extension authority
- Public hearing, comment record and staff analysis
PRIMARY AND INSTITUTIONAL SOURCES
Method before
mobilization
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is every moratorium a ban on construction?
No. Some measures pause a specific permit, application type or zoning action; others contain exemptions or protect applications already deemed complete.
How do I know whether a bill passed?
Use the official legislative history and final enrolled or signed text. A press release, hearing notice or introduced PDF is not proof of enactment.
Can a local government adopt its own pause?
Authority varies by state and by the type of local action. The adopted ordinance, state enabling law and legal advice—not a national summary—control.
FOLLOW MORATORIUMS
Get the record
for your state.
Select your state and role. The issue is already set to moratoriums, so future evidence updates can stay relevant.