State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez brings ‘NY Fights AI Data Centers’ tour to Genesee County Sunday
New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez brought her 'NY Fights AI Data Centers' tour to Genesee County to hear concerns about a proposed Stream Data Center. Residents and the Senator discussed the environmental and social costs of data centers versus their economic benefits and potential job impacts. The tour indicates active opposition to data center development.
New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez visited Eden Cafe Batavia in Genesee County as part of her 'NY Fights AI Data Centers' tour. During the event, Senator Gonzalez listened to residents' concerns regarding a proposed Stream Data Center project slated for the Stamp site in the county.
The discussion highlighted the contrast between the economic benefits often touted for data center developments and the less quantifiable environmental and social costs. Senator Gonzalez expressed her concern for these non-economic costs, stating they "do not fit neatly in the boxes of an Excel spreadsheet."
Another perspective was presented, emphasizing the significant job creation associated with such projects. A speaker underscored that data centers supply "tens of thousands of jobs," often involving "backbreaking work" that individuals depend on to support their families. This viewpoint suggested that blocking such projects, as was reportedly done with a previous project at the Stand site, could be "devastating" to these workers.