Central New York residents are debating the economic and environmental effects of data centers as artificial intelligence drives demand for new facilities, according to WSTM.
CNY Solidarity hosted a Sunday presentation examining how data centers operate and why they require large amounts of electricity and water.
Speakers said the facilities can generate property and sales tax revenue and help redevelop former industrial sites, though they typically create fewer jobs than other major projects.
Participants urged communities to balance those benefits against concerns about energy use, water consumption and other long-term local effects.
The discussion follows Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approval of a statewide moratorium on certain large data centers as New York develops new regulations.
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