Albany Times Union Editorial Board! This is huge.

Editorial: Hit pause on data centers
New York lawmakers should enact a moratorium on the construction of power-sucking data centers until the full costs and consequences are understood
By Times Union Editorial Board

Across New York and elsewhere, developers are rushing to build data centers to meet the needs of artificial intelligence.

Leaving aside the ethical and economic concerns raised by AI, those data centers will likely have significant consequences for all New Yorkers at a time when utility costs are already spiking. As the Times Union's Ezra Bitterman recently reported, data centers proposed across the state would collectively use as much power as New York City.

How will the state accommodate such a significant rise in power demand? What will data centers mean for ordinary ratepayers? How can all that power be used while the state is simultaneously attempting to limit greenhouse gas emissions as required by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act?

These are questions for which nobody seems to have answers, which makes the immense backlash unleashed by data center proposals understandable and reasonable. The unanswered questions also suggest that New York lawmakers would be wise to pause data center construction until regulations that protect New Yorkers and the environment are enacted.

A bill sponsored by state Sen. Liz Krueger and Assemblymember Anna Kelles, both Democrats, would do just that.

The legislation would impose a three-year moratorium on local and state approvals for data centers requiring more than 20 megawatts of power. It would also require the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the state's utility regulator to issue regulations to address potential environmental impacts and prevent higher electricity rates for residential users.

Similar proposals are being made by politicians in both parties in states around the country, and many are taking action. In Florida, for example, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that enacts some of the nation's strictest rules for data centers and requires them to cover their own electricity and infrastructure costs.

Unfortunately, New Yorkers have no such protections. Yet as Mr. Bitterman found, the state and some local governments are nevertheless handing data center developers massive tax breaks for projects that will create few jobs and offer, at best, mixed economic impacts. Huh?

Opponents of the proposed moratorium say the legislation will shift investment to other states and that New York will fall behind in the AI race. The arguments aren't without merit, and we'll suggest that a three-year moratorium might be longer than needed. It shouldn't take the state that long to come up with meaningful regulations.

But at this moment, the dangers posed by data centers far outweigh the potential costs of waiting to join the boom. State lawmakers need to pause and enact rules that will protect New Yorkers before the damage is done.

https://www.wydc-tv.com/news/local/new-york-considers-3-year-pause-on-new-data-center-construction/article_6b9c99c8-6937-4783-a11c-6e5c487e9b50.html

Concerns over the rapid expansion of data centers in New York have led to a proposed three-year moratorium on the construction of new facilities statewide.

Supporters of the proposal say the pause would give lawmakers and communities time to evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of the growing industry before additional projects move forward.

Yvonne Taylor of the nonprofit organization Seneca Lake Guardian said the moratorium is intended to protect both residents and local economies.

“It just gives decision makers a moment to reflect on the impacts and make sure that customers are protected from overly high electricity bills as a result of this kind of development,” Taylor said. “And we just measure the impacts on everyday New Yorkers before we allow this high-tech industry to take over our state.”

Data center developers often promote the facilities as job creators that can bring economic growth and investment to local communities. However, some Finger Lakes business owners say the long-term environmental consequences must also be considered.

Vinny Alperti, owner of Billsboro Winery, emphasized the importance of protecting the region’s natural resources.

“The long game here is that we have to protect these lakes,” Alperti said. “These lakes are basically the lifeblood of the tourist economy.”

Others in the wineries have similar concerns, saying preserving the beauty of the Finger Lakes region should remain a priority for future generations.

Tina Hazlitt, owner of Sawmill Creek Vineyards, acknowledged the growing need for technology infrastructure but questioned whether the rural Finger Lakes is the right location for large-scale data center development.

“I suppose these things are a necessity,” Hazlitt said. “But in beautiful rural Finger Lakes of New York State — pure water, vineyards — maybe there’s a place in another place.”

Taylor added that concerns about data centers extend beyond business owners and tourism operators, arguing the issue could affect the broader state economy.

“We support 60,000 jobs and bring in $4 billion to the state’s economy every year,” Taylor said. “If we allow these data centers to take over, that industry will be compromised.”

Business leaders and local officials say continued public discussion and cooperation will be essential as the debate over data centers and development continues across New York State.