State senator's anti-data center campaign seeks community input
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez launched her "New York Fights AI Data Centers Tour" in Buffalo to address community concerns about proposed data centers. She met with residents and advocates, including the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York, advocating for more transparency and community input. Gonzalez highlighted potential impacts on energy and water bills, as well as air, water, and noise pollution from the over 30 projects planned for the state.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez launched her "New York Fights AI Data Centers Tour" in Buffalo on Saturday, holding a community meeting to gather input on concerns regarding proposed AI data centers across New York. The tour's kickoff event included discussions with local residents and advocacy groups, such as the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York, focusing on the need for increased community involvement and transparency in the data center development process.
Senator Gonzalez expressed significant concerns about the potential impact of over 30 planned data center projects, which she stated could collectively consume energy equivalent to one-third of the state's total grid capacity. She warned that such extensive development poses a threat to residents, potentially leading to higher energy and water bills, as well as increased environmental pollution, including air, water, and noise.
The tour is designed to highlight these issues and continued with a town hall meeting at the Doris Jones Community Center in Niagara Falls, aiming to bring public awareness and generate opposition to the rapid expansion of data centers within the state.