SOUTH BRISTOL, N.Y. — At least a dozen people spoke on Monday evening at a meeting in South Bristol over a proposed ban on data centers or artificial intelligence computing facilities in the town.
The proposal comes amid the state’s year-long pause on the construction of large data centers. News10NBC’s Declan Stablow attended the packed hearing at town hall, where most people spoke in favor of the ban.
RELATED: Community shares concerns about proposal to turn former crypto plant on Seneca Lake into AI data center
“I am very concerned about everything about data centers, the vibrations, the water quality, putting hot water back into the lake, and the environmental impacts of having data centers,” one person at the meeting said.
As News10NBC has covered, data centers often require massive amounts of energy to power computer servers and water to cool the computers, raising concerns over environmental harm. No one spoke against the proposed law at Monday’s hearing, but one person said he’s not for or against data centers and just wants things done the right way.
“I’m just a little concerned with the haste in which this bill is being proposed. I was glad to hear you say you’re planning another public hearing — that makes me happy,” he said.
The next public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 9, and no legislative action will happen before then. The town board also addressed concerns that the law would not limit local businesses with their own servers, though one resident said they would like that clarified in writing.
Joseph Kohler with the South Bristol Coalition of Concerned Citizens said he is worried about how a data center could affect tourism and whether people would still want to move to the area.
“Our coalition. 100,000% opposed to even anything to do with these horrible devil machines or whatever you want to call it,” Kohler said.
Supporters of data centers have argued that they would bring jobs to New York and provide tax benefits to towns. After the hearing, the South Bristol town attorney planned to review the public feedback and draft possible revisions to the proposal. The discussion is ongoing as South Bristol considers its next steps.
Public shares concerns about data centers as South Bristol considers ban WHEC.com.
Hence then, the article about public shares concerns about data centers as south bristol considers ban was published today ( ) and is available on News10NBC ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Public shares concerns about data centers as South Bristol considers ban )
Also on site :
- ‘River Monsters’ Star Jeremy Wade Announces Major Return Nearly 10 Years After Fan-Favorite Show Ended: ‘I’m Back’
- In 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Oscar and had to sit at a segregated table; the Academy replaced her lost statuette in 2023
- Golden Goose Teams With Disney for Mickey Mouse-Inspired Sneakers, Apparel and Global Customization Tour