Advocates Push for Statewide Rules on Buffalo Data Center Noise and Energy Use
Buffalo area advocates are urging Governor Hochul to sign the Responsible Data Center Development Act, a bill that has passed the Senate and would impose a one-year pause on new data center permits. They cite concerns over noise and high energy consumption from an existing crypto mining data center in Buffalo. Buffalo City Council President Shawn Ryan joined residents in speaking out against the impacts of data centers.
Advocates in the Buffalo area are intensifying their campaign for stricter statewide regulations on AI data centers. They are specifically urging Governor Hochul to enact the "Responsible Data Center Development Act," a bill that has already cleared the State Senate. This legislation proposes a one-year moratorium on issuing permits for new data centers, allowing for a comprehensive study of the environmental and economic impacts of existing facilities.
The push is significantly fueled by ongoing concerns surrounding an operational data center located at the former American Axle site on East Delavan Avenue in Buffalo. This facility, which has been active since 2021 and primarily used for crypto mining, is a source of contention due to constant noise from cooling fans and its substantial electricity consumption. Residents, including Cindy Strout, who grew up in the neighborhood, are calling for remediation and an end to the noise, expressing a desire to live proudly in their community.
The existing data center reportedly uses 19 megawatts of power, equivalent to the needs of up to 15,000 homes, prompting fears of rising electricity bills. Local businessman John and Williams owns the site, which is also slated for future AI data center redevelopment. Notably, John and Williams has made campaign donations to several local elected officials.
Despite previous political ties, Buffalo City Council President Shawn Ryan recently joined campaigners in speaking out against the proliferation of AI data centers, stating that the community is being asked to subsidize "billionaires' quests" to build these facilities. Advocates warn against waiting for more data centers to emerge before establishing regulations, suggesting that for residents near the current Buffalo site, the "horse may have already bolted."