Gov. Kathy Hochul said Micron’s Central New York semiconductor project is not affected by the state’s pause on large hyperscale data centers.
In an interview with NewsChannel 9 WSYR, Hochul contrasted Micron’s expected long-term employment with data centers that use large amounts of power but employ relatively few people after construction.
Hochul said several state agencies are working on a framework to help local governments evaluate data center proposals. She said communities should seek benefits from developers, avoid new tax breaks and ensure residents do not pay higher utility costs because of the facilities.
The governor said New York does not have unlimited electricity available and should prioritize projects that create lasting employment. She cited Micron, IBM and GlobalFoundries as examples of companies whose expansions could generate more jobs than hyperscale data centers.
Hochul said data center companies should be prepared to pay for additional power or bring their own generation while the state works to expand its electricity supply, including through nuclear power.
She said Micron’s project is moving ahead and described recent changes at the Clay site, where land has been cleared and fill and construction trucks are visible. Hochul said the semiconductor complex is expected to employ thousands of people and produce memory chips used in artificial intelligence systems.
The governor also said large data center developers should provide substantial community benefits if New York allows more projects after the state completes its review.
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