New York halts new data center construction
Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order Tuesday imposing a one-year moratorium on permits for new hyperscale data centers in New York state. The order comes amid growing concerns about the massive energy and water consumption of AI-driven data centers, which have been proliferating across upstate New York. Critics say the facilities strain local power grids, consume millions of gallons of water for cooling, and offer relatively few jobs. The state will use the year to develop comprehensive regulations.
Trump shrinks Utah national monuments
President Trump signed executive orders on Monday sharply reducing the boundaries of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah. The orders shrink Bears Ears by approximately 85% and Grand Staircase-Escalante by nearly 50%, opening the lands to potential mining and energy development. Native American tribes and environmental groups immediately filed lawsuits, arguing the president lacks the authority to unilaterally reduce monument boundaries under the Antiquities Act.
Europe heatwaves intensify as climate extremes become normal
A report from the UK's Met Office published this week found that 'unprecedented' changes in the UK climate are normalizing extreme weather events. A heatwave affecting much of Europe in June, with France and Spain hit hardest, is consistent with climate model predictions of more frequent and intense heat events. Public health officials across the continent are urging governments to implement heat action plans as summer temperatures continue to rise.