Hochul releases the data-center Community Investment Framework promised in EO 62: a voluntary $1M-per-megawatt benchmark for local investment (a 50 MW center = $50M), prevailing wage, local-hiring and NDA-limit guidance; moratorium stays until DPS finishes the generic environmental impact statement, and she is still pursuing a repeal of data-center sales-tax exemptions

Empire State Development published the Host Community Investment Framework directed by Executive Order 62 (July 14, 2026). It is voluntary guidance for localities: $1M per MW of utility demand as a community-investment benchmark, a locally administered fund, Good Neighbor commitments on water/noise/lighting, prevailing wage, local-hiring engagement, and annual reporting once operating. NDAs should be limited to FOIL-exempt trade secrets. The framework does not replace SEQRA or permitting. The moratorium remains until DPS completes the GEIS (up to a year from July 14). Hochul also restated plans for a Grid Acceleration Fund and legislation repealing sales-tax exemptions for large data centers. Blakeman opposes the moratorium.

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