Binghamton residents say data center moratorium doesn’t go far enough
Residents in Binghamton, NY, led by Citizen Action New York, protested the state's existing data center moratorium, arguing it doesn't go far enough to address local concerns. They cited health, environmental pollution, noise, and financial impacts on communities near data centers. A related bill, the Responsible Data Center Act, has passed the state legislature and awaits the Governor's decision.
A protest organized by Citizen Action New York took place in downtown Binghamton, New York, criticizing the state's current moratorium on data center construction. Residents and activists argue that Governor Kathy Hochul's year-long moratorium, which only halts data centers consuming 50 megawatts or more, is insufficient. They fear smaller data centers will still lead to significant negative impacts over time.
Speakers at the event highlighted various concerns, including noise pollution, referencing similar complaints from communities in Georgia and Ohio. Omar Acosta-Nuñez, lead community organizer for Citizen Action New York, stated that proximity to data centers is linked to higher rates of disease due to air and water pollution, and increased costs for nearby residents.
The protest called for a broader pause on data center development. Meanwhile, a related piece of legislation, the Responsible Data Center Act, has successfully passed the New York state Legislature and is now awaiting a decision from Governor Hochul.