N.Y. governor candidates stake out AI stances
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is enacting AI transparency laws, while her challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, criticizes her one-year data center moratorium as an economic mistake. The debate highlights New York's efforts to lead on AI regulation in the absence of federal guidelines and differing views on the impact of data center development on the state's economy.
New York's gubernatorial candidates, incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman, are staking out their positions on artificial intelligence and its related economic impacts, including data centers. Governor Hochul is advancing AI transparency laws, establishing a new AI-focused office within state government, and promoting the Responsible AI Safety and Education Act, which requires large AI companies to disclose safety plans and incidents, albeit with a high threshold for 'serious harm.' Kaitlin Asrow, acting superintendent of the NYS Department of Financial Services, highlighted the state's proactive approach in regulating AI.
Conversely, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has criticized Governor Hochul's one-year data center moratorium, arguing it's a significant economic misstep for the state. Blakeman, who utilizes AI in his campaign, proposed a collaborative approach where data center developers and community stakeholders could resolve issues together, contrasting with the existing ban. The state's current proposal includes incentives for pro-data center localities to request community investments from companies, though questions remain about its implementation. Veronica Irwin, an AI senior policy reporter, noted New York's tendency to lead on AI regulation in the absence of federal standards. Experts like Eli Dvorkin, policy director at the Center for an Urban Future, also emphasized the importance of a robust workforce development plan to help New Yorkers adapt to the evolving job market shaped by AI.