New York Governor Enacts Statewide Data Center Moratorium; Conservative Groups Plan National Protests
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order implementing a yearlong statewide moratorium on data center construction. This action, combined with growing popular disgust over environmental impacts, is fueling a national anti-data center movement. Conservative groups like Humans First are planning a national day of protest, signaling a broad ideological opposition to data center expansion.
Governor Kathy Hochul of New York recently signed an executive order implementing a yearlong statewide moratorium on data center construction, a move that has sparked significant concern within the tech industry. Lobbyists like Joseph Hoefer note the industry's fear that New York's decision could set a precedent for similar bans elsewhere. This action comes amidst rising public discontent with data centers, which critics, including conservative figures like Tucker Carlson, argue disproportionately consume water and electricity from rural communities without providing adequate benefits. Studies cited in the article also point to significant environmental impacts, such as air and noise pollution and disruption to natural rhythms.
The opposition movement is gaining traction, with activist group Humans First, supported by America First conservatives and figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, organizing a national day of protest against data centers across several states on July 18. This broad-based conservative involvement is challenging the tech industry's ability to dismiss opponents as fringe groups. Prominent figures like Marc Andreessen and Elon Musk have attempted to discredit Humans First as a "psy op," alleging socialist influence. However, the article suggests this is more accurately described as effective coalition-building between diverse ideological groups concerned about AI and its infrastructure.
In an open letter to Donald Trump, signed by Steve Bannon and other America First leaders, Humans First advocated for a pause on data center construction, linking it to concerns about dangerous frontier AI models. Amy Kremer, chair of Humans First, frames the data center protests as "the most important fight of our lifetime," comparing it to the Tea Party movement's origins against big government and asserting a belief that unchecked technology poses existential risks. The article concludes by noting the unusual convergence of right and left populists on this issue, with the tech "oligarchs" being the primary losers.