Department of Environmental Conservation

A fawn was rescued by the Department of Environmental Conservation in June after it became stuck in a well in Dutchess County.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul paused state environmental permits for large new or expanding data centers using at least 50 megawatts of electricity to allow for an environmental review. The pause excludes applications already deemed complete and local permits, focusing on the industry's impact on energy, water, and communities.

The Department of Environmental Conservation is monitoring Turtle Island on Lake George after a beaver tested positive for rabies. Positive rabies cases across the state have fluctuated over the years.

New York became the first US state to impose a one-year moratorium on large new data centres, citing concerns over rising power costs, strained water supplies, and community impacts linked to AI infrastructure. Governor Kathy Hochul aims to establish environmental standards and repeal sales tax exemptions for large data centres, with the ban lifting once these measures are finalised.

An Air Quality Health Advisory for ozone has been issued for New York City and surrounding counties by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The advisory is active from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, with elevated outdoor air quality levels expected.

An Air Quality Health Advisory has been issued for New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties due to ozone. The advisory, effective until 11 p.m. on Monday, urges individuals with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including asthma, to limit strenuous outdoor activity.

Brooklyn resident Aidan Kaminer was rescued after being stuck in a crevice at Merlin’s Cave in Columbia County for six hours. Firefighters and Forest Rangers, including Lieutenant John Gullen, worked to free him without injury, and Kaminer later expressed intent to continue caving with experienced groups.