The debate over the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the data centers that power it has become a significant issue in New York's key midterm elections. Democratic candidates are leveraging public anxiety surrounding the environmental and community impacts of data centers, while Republican contenders are advocating for a pro-tech, pro-business approach.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently enacted a one-year moratorium on new data center construction statewide, citing concerns about utility costs, water supply, and noise pollution. "This is a reaction to the anxiety we’re hearing around this," Hochul stated, adding, "progress shouldn’t arrive with a higher utility bill, deleted water supply or noise pollution."
Candidates like Cait Conley, a Democrat challenging Republican incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler in the Hudson Valley, are also focusing on the issue. Conley has called for greater corporate accountability and more control over data center development, arguing that corporations should not pass costs onto communities. "The American public just wants to harness the benefits of AI and have a smart policy to mitigate the downsides and the risks," stated Josh Vlasto, an operative with a super PAC supported by AI firms, suggesting that opposition is being overblown.
A Siena University poll indicated that only 29% of New York voters view AI favorably, with a significant 52% holding an unfavorable opinion. Younger voters, aged 18-35, showed even stronger disapproval, with only 23% favorable views compared to 71% unfavorable.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has criticized Hochul's moratorium as anti-business, arguing it hinders economic development and drives young people out of the state. "To bury your head in the sand, with the fastest growing industry in the world, again, this is the reason why we’re 50th in economic development," Blakeman said. He also suggested that the state needs controls over energy usage and that local governments should secure public benefits from new developments.
Rep. Mike Lawler has expressed support for data centers but with limitations, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local governments to address concerns and prevent data centers from negatively impacting power availability for residents. "We do not want AI to go offshore. We do want AI companies to be operating out of China, certainly not American companies," Lawler stated.