Assemblyman Anil Beephan, Jr. (R.C-Fishkill) voted in the affirmative today to temporarily pause new large data center projects for one year, giving communities and state leaders time to better understand how they may affect neighborhoods, infrastructure and the environment.

The legislation, A.11560, would give communities more time to study their potential impacts and consider future policies. During debate on the Assembly floor, Beephan, Jr. said data centers have become a major concern for residents in his district and voiced support for taking time to better understand the long-term effects before additional projects move forward.

“Over the past several months, I heard from hundreds of residents at town board meetings, public hearings, rallies and in conversations throughout the district about concerns regarding the rapid expansion of data centers and what it could mean for our infrastructure, environment and quality of life,” said Beephan, Jr. “That is why I was proud to vote in the affirmative on this legislation and support a temporary pause while we take the time to better figure out the right path forward for our communities.”