This move signals a shift in policy for a state that currently hosts the world's highest concentration of data centers.
The order addresses mounting concerns over the massive infrastructure required for AI, which has led to rising energy costs for residents and environmental strain.
By introducing a new accountability framework, the governor aims to eliminate "by-right approval"—a mechanism that previously allowed companies to build on specific land without seeking additional local permissions.
This policy change reflects a growing trend of state-level intervention, joining similar recent efforts in California, Texas, and New York to manage the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the order establishes an AI task force to study how the technology affects data privacy and workforce displacement.
While environmental advocacy groups have praised the new transparency requirements, some organizations have argued the measures do not go far enough, calling for a total freeze on new projects already in the pipeline.
These new rules will primarily impact future developments by removing certain state subsidies and requiring developers to meet stricter environmental guardrails.