New York State Senator Hears Concerns on Genesee County Data Center Proposal
New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez held public listening sessions in Genesee County and other locations as part of her 'NY Fights AI Data Centers' tour. The tour aimed to gather feedback on a proposed $19.46 billion data center project by Stream Data Centers at the STAMP site in Alabama, NY, and to advocate for the Responsible Data Center Development Act. Concerns include environmental impacts, economic benefits, and potential utility cost increases for residents, while proponents highlight job creation.
New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez embarked on her 'NY Fights AI Data Centers' tour, visiting Genesee County to meet with residents and stakeholders regarding a proposed $19.46 billion data center project by Stream Data Centers at the Western New York Science & Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) site in Alabama, NY.
During her visit, Senator Gonzalez listened to significant opposition from community members, including representatives from the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. Opponents voiced concerns about the environmental impacts, such as noise, light, and water pollution, as well as the potential health effects of infrasound. They also questioned the economic benefits, calling STAMP a "failing boondoggle" and criticizing the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) for downplaying previous environmental incidents and lacking accountability for job creation promises. A previous Stream project at STAMP was withdrawn after a lawsuit by the Tonawanda Seneca Nation and the Sierra Club.
The tour also highlighted the Responsible Data Center Development Act, which passed the Senate and Assembly and awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature. The bill proposes a one-year moratorium on DEC permits for new data centers, mandates environmental impact reports on water, electricity, land use, and pollution, and requires data centers to pay their full share of utility costs. Governor Hochul has already issued an executive order for a temporary moratorium. Supporters of the data center, including construction unions represented by UNICON, argued that the moratorium and opposition are hurting job creation and sending a negative message to businesses, emphasizing that the Stream project was expected to provide good union jobs under a project labor agreement.