Statewide ‘Stop Data Centers’ tour hits Lansing

A statewide 'Stop Data Centers' tour arrived in Lansing, New York, on Friday to press Governor Kathy Hochul to enact the Responsible Data Center Development Act. This bipartisan legislation, co-authored by State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, passed both chambers of the legislature and is intended to replace or bolster an existing executive order signed by Governor Hochul in July, which imposed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on data centers requiring at least 50 megawatts of power.

Assemblywoman Anna Kelles, another proponent of the bill, stated that while the Governor's executive order was a good initial step, it falls short of addressing critical concerns. The proposed act broadens the scope to include data centers exceeding 20 megawatts and mandates the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to conduct comprehensive environmental impact studies. Kelles highlighted that the legislative bill specifically covers noise pollution, all aspects of water usage, and the impact of electronic waste, areas not addressed by the Governor's order.

The urgency for the bill is underscored by ongoing local disputes, particularly in Lansing, where residents are opposing a massive 400-megawatt data center proposed by TeraWulf on the shores of Cayuga Lake. Local officials believe the Responsible Data Center Development Act would provide essential transparency and support for small towns grappling with such large-scale developments. The 'Stop Data Centers' tour, comprising 13 stops across the state, aims to amplify local resistance efforts and advocate for more responsive state and local governance.