Data Centers Emerge As One Key Issue In Ny 17 Congressional Race
Data center development has become a major issue in New York’s 17th Congressional District race, with Republican Rep. Mike Lawler and Democratic candidate Cait Conley blaming each other for facilities in Rockland County. Local officials say Orangetown controlled the zoning approvals, while other candidates are calling for legislation to temporarily halt new data center construction.
Data centers have emerged as a central issue in the campaign for New York’s 17th Congressional District, which includes Rockland County. Speaking outside a JPMorgan Chase data center in Orangeburg, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler denied responsibility for approving facilities in Orangetown and said local residents should decide whether such projects proceed. Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny said the town handled the zoning process and that the facilities underwent review by local officials and the planning board.
Democratic candidate Cait Conley has criticized Lawler over the development of five data centers in Rockland County, while Lawler has linked the projects to former Democratic Orangetown Supervisor Andy Stewart’s administration. Conley’s campaign has also cited Lawler’s opposition to data center moratoriums. Nyack Mayor Joe Rand said he supports legislation to temporarily stop new data center construction and add protections for communities, reflecting broader voter concerns about the effects of future facilities on quality of life.