Ulster officials, activists speak against AI data centers
New York officials and activists protested against AI data centers, citing their high energy consumption and potential to exacerbate the climate crisis. They urged the state to uphold its climate law and regulate data centers.
Environmentalists and officials in Ulster County, New York, protested against AI data centers on Tuesday, calling for stricter regulations. The 'Energy Hog' bus tour, organized by the New York Public Interest Research Group, stopped in Ulster County to demand action from Governor Kathy Hochul and state leaders. Participants argued that AI data centers consume large amounts of energy, drive up costs, and pollute communities. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger urged the state legislature to pass a bill pausing new data center permits until regulatory guardrails are in place. The protest comes as Hochul has proposed rolling back New York's climate law, sparking opposition from officials and environmentalists. The 'Energy Hog' bus tour will make stops in several other New York cities over the next week.
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