New York state legislators are considering a bill that would impose a two-year moratorium on new cryptocurrency mining data centers that use proof-of-work authentication. The proposed pause aims to allow time for a comprehensive environmental impact review, focusing on the facilities’ substantial energy consumption and carbon emissions. This move follows similar regulatory actions and debates in other states and countries concerned about the climate footprint of energy-intensive computing operations. The bill reflects growing scrutiny of the infrastructure powering technologies like blockchain and AI, balancing economic development against environmental sustainability goals. Read the full article at: https://www.wired.com/story/new-york-is-the-latest-state-to-consider-a-data-center-pause/