Nearly 500 small business owners across New York are backing a push to temporarily halt new data center construction, according to Spectrum News 1. The growing opposition includes Finger Lakes winery owners worried about rising energy costs and environmental impacts tied to massive AI-driven facilities.
The proposed legislation would pause permits for new data centers for three years while state agencies study how the projects affect local communities. Critics cite concerns over electricity demand, noise, air pollution, and pressure on rural areas targeted for development.
Supporters of data center expansion argue modern facilities vary widely and shouldn’t be grouped together. A company developing a major project in Genesee County says its operation uses newer technology designed to reduce emissions and environmental impact.
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