New York Senate Candidates Debate Moratorium on Hyperscale Data Centers
New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo and challenger Christopher Murray discussed the state’s moratorium on environmental permits for hyperscale data centers during a virtual debate in East Hampton. Both candidates supported slowing data center development, citing concerns about water use, electricity demand, environmental impacts, and the pace of artificial intelligence growth.
New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo and Democratic challenger Christopher Murray debated affordability, environmental policy and other issues in a virtual forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, Shelter Island and the North Fork. The candidates agreed that Gov. Kathy Hochul’s July moratorium on environmental permits for hyperscale data centers should remain in place.
Murray called for a significant slowdown in artificial intelligence and data center development, warning that facilities could consume large amounts of water and electricity and become obsolete. Palumbo said development should be restrained and require infrastructure capable of supplying excess power to local communities, but argued that New York should not abandon artificial intelligence development because of international competition.
The candidates also differed over climate policy, environmental enforcement and cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Murray advocated stronger renewable-energy protections and additional funding for the state Department of Environmental Conservation, while Palumbo cited his support for New York’s climate law and said renewable energy should be pursued reliably and pragmatically.