Group gathers for data center protest in Batavia
Protesters gathered in Batavia, NY, as part of a national day of protest against data centers, specifically targeting Stream Data Centers' proposed 500-megawatt project in the nearby town of Alabama. They are calling for Governor Kathy Hochul to sign her executive order for a moratorium on hyperscale data centers into law, citing concerns about its temporary nature and potential impacts. The Genesee County Economic Development Center is reviewing the executive order's impact on the Stream project.
Protesters convened in Batavia, New York, on Saturday as part of a national day of protest against data center developments, specifically addressing a proposed 500-megawatt project by Stream Data Centers at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) in the town of Alabama. The demonstration occurred outside Batavia City Hall, with participants expressing concerns about the environmental and community impacts of hyperscale data centers.
The protesters voiced support for New York Governor Kathy Hochul's recent executive order, which institutes a temporary one-year moratorium on state environmental permits for new hyperscale data centers. However, they urged Governor Hochul to solidify the moratorium into law, arguing that an executive order can be unilaterally changed or rescinded. Barbara Clark of East Pembroke criticized the executive order as a potential "political maneuver" tied to upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for a permanent legislative solution and praising the governor's mention of eliminating tax incentives for such projects. Mark Cordes of Alabama stated the executive order provides a "pause" for residents to research health effects.
Governor Hochul's stated goal for the moratorium is to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to safeguard ratepayers, the environment, the energy grid, and communities statewide. Meanwhile, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) is reviewing the executive order to assess its implications for the Stream project, which anticipates creating 6,000 construction jobs and 125 permanent positions, alongside substantial PILOT and sales tax revenues for Genesee County, the town of Alabama, and the Oakfield-Alabama School District.