AI, Data Center Moratorium, Job Disruptions & Future of Work: Hochul Answers Reporters' Questions
New York Governor Kathy Hochul defended the state's one-year data center moratorium, citing concerns over energy, water, and land depletion. She emphasized the policy's goal to empower communities in negotiations with data center developers and to secure infrastructure investments. The moratorium has faced criticism from building trades regarding job impacts.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently addressed reporters' questions following FutureWorks Commission listening sessions, where she discussed the profound impacts of artificial intelligence on the state's economy and workforce. She underscored New York's commitment to embracing AI while proactively preparing for potential job disruptions, particularly for women in administrative, legal, and back-office roles.
During the press conference, Governor Hochul also defended New York's one-year moratorium on data centers, a policy that has drawn criticism from building trades who contend it is detrimental to job creation. She explained that the moratorium's objective is to ensure that data center projects entering New York State consider their impact on energy, water, and land resources. The governor highlighted that this temporary pause aims to put communities in a stronger negotiating position with companies, providing a framework for community investment and prompting larger investments in overall transmission lines and the grid.
Hochul further challenged AI companies to develop less disruptive methods for meeting their power needs, criticizing what she called "hyperscale data centers that are causing anxiety around the country." She also expressed strong disapproval of the United States Senate's reported focus on advising AI companies on marketing strategies during an election year, calling it "wildly inappropriate" and a distraction from addressing "the real needs of Americans."
The discussion also touched upon job displacement due to AI, with Molly Kinder, co-chair of the FutureWorks Commission, noting that the commission is undertaking an analysis of New York State jobs vulnerable to AI. Governor Hochul stressed the importance of workforce development and AI competency training to protect jobs and prepare individuals for new, sustainable careers, acknowledging that AI could also foster new entrepreneurial opportunities.