Data centers developing in Upstate New York towns amid local concerns and regulatory scrutiny

The article highlights a trend of data center development in Upstate New York, frequently converting vacant industrial properties. Stream U.S. Data Centers is actively developing a project at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (WNY STAMP) in the town of Alabama, Genesee County. This involves the deconstruction of former Plug Power facilities on land sold to Stream. However, these developments are not without controversy. In Lysander, significant community opposition has already materialized against a planned data center, even before the developer has submitted permit applications. Another instance of regulatory scrutiny involves the Greenidge Generation bitcoin mining facility in Dresden, New York. State environmental regulators denied its application for a new air permit in June 2022, citing concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, indicating a broader focus on the environmental impact of such energy-intensive operations across the state.