April 20 Leg Act News
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
This week's Leg Act News focuses on the controversy surrounding data centers and the NYS legislative proposal to build solar fields on state forest land.
Highlights
Communities across the United States are debating whether to build large data centers, which are increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI) demand. Major technology companies such as Google and Meta are investing billions of dollars, and data center growth accounted for a large share of U.S. private domestic demand in early 2025. While the promise of economic growth and job creation is attractive, especially in rural areas, most long-term employment opportunities at highly automated centers are limited, often ranging from only 20 to 150 permanent positions. Many construction workers may also be temporary, non-union, or brought in from outside the local area.
Notables
A separate concern involves proposed solar energy legislation in New York State that could open large areas of public forest land to renewable energy development. Senate bill S4408 would allow developers to use more than 600,000 acres of reforestation land, including approximately 10,000 acres in Tioga County, without requiring local approval. Critics argue that such legislation undermines community involvement and threatens forest preservation. Supporters of alternative strategies suggest prioritizing rooftop and parking-lot solar installations instead of converting forest land.
Action Alert/Events
Attend the League of Women Voters health care crisis presentation on April 30, 6:30 to 9 PM. Union Presbyterian Church, 200 East Main St., Endicott, NY 13760
Call Assemblyman Friend at 518-455-4538 to voice your dismay over the Assembly bill now in the Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation. Also call Deborah Glick, the Chair of the Standing Committee, at 518-455-4841. Send an email to Governor Kathy Hochul Governor Contact Form | Governor Kathy Hochul | New York State, with the same message. Note that you are against the Assembly bill, against the lack of community involvement, and support alternative sites such as parking lots/garages, brown fields, and rooftops.
Call the Department of Consumer Services to explain your concerns over NYSEG’s billing practices - 1-800-342-3377.
MONDAYS AT THE COURTHOUSE. Every Monday from 4:00-5:00, there is a dedicated effort to protest. Please join us for an hour. Bring a sign.
General Meeting Tioga County Democratic Committee April 21st. 6:30 social time, 7 pm meeting
Candor Daffodil Days - April 25, 10-4. Volunteers needed to help at a table for an hour or two.
