Regional environmental leaders and policymakers will discuss the potential impacts of artificial intelligence data centers during a virtual panel Wednesday.
The discussion is being organized by Sustainable Finger Lakes and will take place March 11 at noon as part of the group’s Finger Lakes Forecast webinar series.
The panel will include Anna Kelles, who sponsors legislation that would place a temporary moratorium on certain AI data center development in New York. Also participating are Eric Weltman, a senior organizer with Food & Water Watch, and Aimee Caffrey of the citizen group FLX Strong.
Organizers say communities across the country have raised concerns about large AI data centers, citing potential impacts such as higher electricity demand, increased water use and local environmental effects.
The discussion also comes as some residents continue to oppose a proposed 400-megawatt hyperscale AI data center along Cayuga Lake.
The Finger Lakes Forecast webinar series began in 2022 to explore how climate change and environmental issues may affect the region. Past discussions have focused on topics including flooding, harmful algae blooms, renewable energy siting and food security.
Organizers say the virtual format allows participants from across the Finger Lakes region and New York to attend.
Registration for the webinar is available here.
