In post-election analysis, data centers stand out as a key election issue for New Yorkers. Polls show most voters do not support them and stand by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s data center moratorium.
They were a focal point in several congressional races and the governor’s race due to criticisms about their environmental impacts. Proponents argued they create jobs and economic development.
Rob Hayes, senior director of clean water for Environmental Advocates New York, said data center developers’ lack of transparency can harm communities.
“That means there’s not a fully public process to let local governments and local communities grapple with and evaluate what the impacts of these data center developments might be,” Hayes explained.
While Hochul supports regulating data centers, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman vowed to repeal the moratorium. He pointed to his work in Nassau County, where data centers are required to have water circulation systems. Hochul has expressed concerns about data centers raising utility costs, while Blakeman blamed clean energy projects and curtailing of fossil fuels for higher energy prices.
Lawmakers are developing data center regulations during Hochul’s moratorium. The state is accepting public comments on a draft scope review of data centers’ environmental impacts. Hayes noted it does not account for the full water and land impacts data centers have. He pointed out another regulatory tool is the Responsible Data Center Development Act.
“This bill will extend her moratorium on the development of data centers and will ensure that full and holistic environmental review is conducted before any of these projects move forward,” Hayes underscored.
The measure has received wide support from lawmakers and residents. It passed both chambers of the Legislature shortly before the moratorium was issued and now awaits either a signature or veto from Hochul.
Edwin is a reporter and producer in North Tonawanda, New York. He’s previously reported for the Niagara Gazette and the Ithaca Times. Edwin got an early start in radio interning for WBFO-88.7FM, NPR’s Buffalo affiliate. In 2018, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a B.A. in Journalism, and in 2022, graduated from Syracuse University with an M.S. in Communications.
