'Energy hog' bus tour takes aim at data centers around New York

Environmental advocacy groups have initiated a statewide "energy hog" bus tour across New York to lobby Governor Kathy Hochul for a stricter approach to AI data centers and full enforcement of the state's 2019 climate law. The tour, which commenced in Tonawanda and includes stops in Syracuse, Kingston, New York City, and Albany, aims to raise public awareness about the substantial energy demands of AI data centers. Alex Bornemisza, regional coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group, spoke in Tonawanda, where a large data center is proposed at the former Tonawanda Coke site. Bornemisza argued that these facilities, characterized as "energy hogs," strain the public grid, leading to increased air pollution, excessive use of clean water, and higher utility bills, thereby exacerbating affordability issues. Supporting the advocacy efforts are groups like PUSH Buffalo and the Sierra Club, alongside legislators including Assemblymember Karen McMahon and State Senator April Baskin, who are championing a bill for a three-year moratorium on new data center developments. This bill is currently under committee review. Bridge Rauch of the Clean Air Coalition of Western New York highlighted the Tonawanda Coke site proposal as emblematic of evolving corporate pollution. While acknowledging developer Jon Williams's claims that the proposed 300-megawatt data center would address common issues, Rauch countered that its minimal job creation (around 100 workers) does not justify its immense power consumption compared to other local industries.