Ian Phillips discusses New York data center moratorium at Auburn debate
At a debate in Auburn, Ian Phillips voiced strong opposition to large data centers and supported stronger state oversight and a moratorium. He argued that a proposed 300-megawatt project in Lysander could increase utility costs and harm noise and water quality, while criticizing local governments’ ability to resist developer pressure.
At a debate for New York’s 126th Assembly District in Auburn, candidate Ian Phillips discussed the state’s proposed data center moratorium and the Responsible Data Center Development Act. Phillips said state intervention is necessary because large developers can repeatedly sue and pressure small towns when local governments act alone.
Phillips focused on a proposed 300-megawatt data center project in Lysander, saying its electricity demand could be comparable to that of 300,000 to 400,000 homes and drive up utility bills. He also cited noise, industrial impacts and threats to water quality, and said he would support a broader moratorium, including a federal pause, while opposing data center development near residential communities.