Video: Assembly candidate Ian Phillips on data centers
Assembly candidate Ian Phillips spoke at an Auburn City Council meeting, urging them to pass a resolution calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a data center moratorium bill that was recently passed by the New York State legislature. He cited concerns over increased electricity rates, excessive water usage, and noise from data centers, noting strong public opposition and similar resolutions passed by Lysander and Baldensville.
Ian Phillips, a Democratic candidate for the New York State Assembly, addressed the Auburn City Council, advocating for their support of a statewide data center moratorium. Phillips urged the council to pass a resolution encouraging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a moratorium bill that recently passed the New York State legislature. He noted that other local municipalities, including Lysander and the Village of Baldensville, have already adopted similar resolutions calling for the governor's action.
Phillips emphasized the severe impact of data centers, citing concerns such as electricity rates increasing by 267% near data center sites over five years, and a proposed data center in Lysander that would consume five times the daily water usage of the entire city of Auburn. He also highlighted the significant noise pollution, averaging 96 dB, equivalent to a lawn mower or a 747 jet. Phillips warned against the speculative nature of the data center industry driven by AI companies, suggesting a potential market bubble and the risk of these becoming "toxic assets."
He described the proposed moratorium as "the bare minimum," requiring data centers to cover electricity grid upgrades and ensuring protections for water and noise. Phillips underscored the public's widespread concern, referencing a Lysander town council meeting that drew 2,000 attendees, filling the venue and spilling into the parking lot. He implored the Auburn City Council to "speak with one voice" in support of the moratorium to protect New York State residents from potential negative consequences.