North Country Assemblyman to Address State’s Response to Construction of AI Data Centers
State Assemblyman Michael Cashman ’03 G’06 will discuss his co-sponsored bill to impose
a moratorium on new data center construction in the state and issues surrounding the
centers at the next Institute for Ethics in Public Life symposium, “The Backlash Against
AI Data Centers,” Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 3:30 p.m. in Hawkins 233.
The conversation will also be available via Zoom here: https://plattsburgh.zoom.us/j/84916518219.
In rare bipartisan support, both Republicans and Democrats have shown opposition to having data centers built near their homes, with environmental impact, electricity rates and reduction of quality of life being front and center in their collective concerns, according to a recent Pew poll, said Dr. Daniel Lake, professor of political science and ethics institute director.
Artificial intelligence firms, however, have argued that massive investment in these centers “is necessary if we are to stay ahead of China in the AI race.” Proponents have also argued that data centers provide jobs and tax revenue for the communities where they’re built.
While Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an executive order imposing the first statewide moratorium on construction of data centers to allow the state “to develop new environmental and energy standards for data centers and repeal a state tax exemption,” state lawmakers in both the Assembly and Senate passed A11560, which imposes a one-year moratorium on issuance of permits and requires measures be taken to mitigate further impacts on local communities.
“To help us understand this complex issue, we welcome Assemblymember Michael Cashman, our representative in the Assembly’s 115th District, and one of the co-sponsors of A11560, to the institute,” Lake said.
Prior to Cashman’s election in November 2025, he served as supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh for nearly a decade. As assemblyman, Cashman’s focus has been on housing, accessible healthcare, quality education, infrastructure investment, reliable broadband and cell service, economic opportunity for farmers and small businesses, public safety, and long-term planning to benefit the people of the North Country.
The Institute for Ethics in Public Life seminars are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Lake at 518-564-5833, or email [email protected].
— By Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs
