The new data center moratorium passed by Gov. Kathy Hochul is likely to delay $19bn Stream Data Centers project in Alabama, New York. The pause on data centers that can draw 50 megawatts of electricity also appears to include the proposed project. This announcement comes as Stream Data Centers hopes to get moving on its planned $19 billion data center in Alabama. However, there is a debate on the benefits and faults of the project.

Supporters promise an economic windfall from the project and emphasize the need for these centers to fuel the growth of AI. On the other hand, opponents have claimed in public meetings that it will strain the energy grid and overuse local water supplies. Those with the Tonawanda Seneca Nation, whose territory abuts the proposed site, also worried about noise.

“We’re talking about agricultural fields, we’re talking about a portion of territory that’s forested, any new noise there adds something immensely different to the soundscape and especially the data center no matter the size,” said Grandell Logan, a spokesperson for the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. Despite the setbacks, there are also advancements such as the “Project Tembo” data center project, previously known as “Project Jade” identifying Google as its customer. The project, formerly being constructed by Crusoe had been halted at the “request of the customer.”

Outlook on the Stream Data Centers Project in Alabama

Logan, who is in opposition of the Stream Data Centers project in Alabama, hopes the moratorium will pause the project and eventually force it to find a different location. However, that is not the hope of business leaders like UNICON’s Joe Morelle Jr. “I don’t think the governor intends to kill the Stream Data project, I hope that’s not the governor’s intention,” Morelle said. “I think she’s trying to balance some factors here.”

Local outlets have reached out to the company for comment however there has been no comment. Genesee County residents have spoken in opposition to a proposed $19 billion data center project in the Town of Alabama. Developers say the Stream Data Centers complex would create 125 permanent jobs. However, residents say they’re concerned about how much water the 2.2 million square foot data center campus would use.

Mark Masse, President & CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center, provided insight into how the moratorium could impact the project. He said the project is continuing to move forward unless the moratorium is signed into law. He also said the project is still undergoing the State Environmental Quality Review act process, or SEQR.

Project Overview

• Project Value: $19B
• Location: Town of Alabama, New York
• Developer: Stream Data Centers
• Status: Potentially delayed

Scope

• 2.2M sq ft data center campus
• Large-scale AI infrastructure
• High-power data center development
• State environmental review underway

Highlights

• Proposed $19B investment
• 125 permanent jobs planned
• Supports AI and cloud growth
• Major regional development proposal

Key Challenges

• Proposed state data center moratorium
• Water demand concerns
• Grid capacity impacts
• Noise and environmental objections

Key Developments

• SEQR review continues
• Moratorium could delay approvals
• Public opposition remains strong
• State policy uncertainty continues

Outlook

• Project timeline depends on state action
• Environmental review remains ongoing
• Community debate likely to continue
• Final approval remains uncertain