New York energy and infrastructure projects face widespread public opposition

In New York, various community and political groups are protesting energy and infrastructure developments. In Peekskill, residents rallied against Congressman Mike Lawler, accusing him of supporting fossil fuel projects like the “Project Beacon” pipeline expansion by Enbridge. Protesters claim these projects drive up utility bills and primarily serve energy-hungry AI data centers.

This tension over data centers reached the federal level as House Speaker Mike Johnson characterized widespread public opposition to AI data centers as a “Chinese psyop.” Johnson’s comments drew criticism from Senator Bernie Sanders, who argued that the 75% of Americans opposing such centers are concerned about rising electricity costs, environmental impacts, and human safety rather than foreign influence.

Simultaneously, environmental and consumer advocacy groups have organized against Governor Kathy Hochul’s nuclear energy agenda. Demonstrators submitted thousands of comments opposing the use of public and ratepayer funds to support new nuclear power plants, arguing that nuclear energy is more expensive and riskier than renewable alternatives.