People protest in Batavia over data centers in New York State
Residents in Batavia, New York, are protesting against data center development despite Governor Hochul enacting a statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data center construction. The moratorium, the first of its kind, aims to allow the state to create a framework to protect the energy grid and environment. A developer, Stream Data Centers, is reviewing the order while local economic development officials highlight the potential revenue from such projects.
Protesters in Batavia, New York, expressed their intent to continue opposing hyperscale data centers, despite Governor Kathy Hochul's recent enactment of the nation's first statewide moratorium on such developments. The order, signed on a Tuesday, imposes a temporary ban of up to one year on new hyperscale data center construction. Its purpose is to allow the state time to establish a regulatory framework designed to safeguard ratepayers, the energy grid, and the environment.
Community organizer Cheryl Codes voiced the protestors' sentiment, stating, "I think overall the community, we don’t want this... We the people should have a say." She emphasized that while the moratorium is a start, it marks only the beginning of their ongoing campaign.
Stream Data Centers, a company reportedly involved in a local project, has indicated it is reviewing the Governor's order and currently withholding comment. Conversely, the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) has highlighted the significant economic benefits, projecting that the proposed data center project could generate over $218 million in local revenue.