Proposed Genesee County Data Center Proceeds Despite State Moratorium
The proposed Stream Data Center project in Alabama, Genesee County, New York, is moving forward despite a state legislature-approved moratorium awaiting the Governor's signature. Project developers assert they are already meeting many of the proposed moratorium's requirements, including environmental and energy impact studies. Local residents continue to express concerns regarding environmental impact and noise.
The Stream Data Center project, a proposed $19.4 billion development in the town of Alabama, Genesee County, New York, is continuing its planning phases despite a statewide moratorium on data centers passed by the New York State Legislature. The moratorium, which would halt large-scale data center development across the state for one year, has not yet been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Mark Masse, President & CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC), confirmed that the project is currently "business as usual," proceeding through the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process. He emphasized that the project would only be interrupted if Governor Hochul signs the moratorium into law.
The proposed data center at the STAMP site is designed to generate 600 megawatts of power, create 125 full-time jobs, and contribute $500 million in tax revenue. Local residents in Genesee County have voiced concerns about the environmental impact and noise levels associated with the project. Masse, however, countered some opposition by stating that many requirements of the proposed moratorium, such as a DEC environmental impact statement (completed in 2012) and an energy demand study, are already being met. He also noted that the project would fully cover the costs of any necessary electrical infrastructure.