Power & Politics

Several voices in the data center conversation joined Power & Politics this week: Empire AI Director of Research Computing Kiran Keshav, NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-Queens) and David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team.

EmpireAI is one of the exceptions to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's Executive Order implementing a one-year moratorium on new data center development above 50MW. Keshav speaks to their work and growth since implemented in 2024 (now EmpireAI Beta), and why it's exempt.

This week, New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez announced a statewide tour, visiting 13 communities across New York where data centers, or data center proposals are happening. That includes Albany's Kenwood Commons proposal. Gonzalez is the Senate sponsor of the Responsible Data Center Development Act, which passed the State legislature in bipartisan fashion during this year's legislative session. She's pushing the Governor to sign it into law as a part of the data center omnibus.

David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team, works with clients who have considered data center construction in New York, saying Governor Hochul's Executive Order of a One-year Moratorium has a "bit of a chilling effect" across the industry. He speaks to the challenges developers would face in complying with a potential framework set forth when the Moratorium is lifted in July 2027...something he's concerned won't happen by then.

0:00-17:27

Introduction and Headlines

17:32-32:36

Empire AI Director of Research Computing Kiran Keshav

32:37-44:24

NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez (D-Queens)

44:45-1:00:54

David Flynn, leader of Phillips Lytle’s Environmental Law Practice Team

1:00:55-1:09:07

Closing Thoughts, Power & Politics & Pop Culture
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Former New York State Governor George Pataki appeared on Power & Politics this week, speaking with Tom Eschen on the heels of the dedication of the "Governor George E. Pataki Center" on Spring Street in Albany.

The conversation, taking place in a room adorned with photos of Pataki from his tenure as Governor, covered portions of his time in the State Legislature, as Governor, discussing the dynamic of politics and government at play then, and now too. They also discussed 9/11, and what he believes has changed since then.

New York State Acting Chief Cyber Officer Michaela Lee also joins the show, discussing $9 million will be awarded to 153 local water projects on the heels of cyber attacks in other States.

00:00 – Pataki Building & Public Service

01:45 – Governing vs. Partisan Politics

05:10 – Silver v. Pataki & Governor Power

06:40 – 9/11, Unity & Division Today

09:25 – Lock One & Reviving Downtown Albany

10:20 – Cyber Grants for NY Water Systems

15:10 – Nation-State Threats & Critical Infrastructure

17:55 – Outro & Subscribe

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Ray Brescia, who helped pen a recent commentary piece in SCOTUSBlog, discusses the impact of the most recent Supreme Court term, and what he believes it means for the balance of power in the Federal Government.

Intro & Setup – [0:00–0:42]

Roberts Court & Power Shift – [0:42–6:23]

Partisanship & Conservative Supermajority – [6:23–12:36]

History & Birthright Citizenship – [12:36–19:05]

Tariffs, Learning Resources & Executive Power – [19:05–27:26]

Court Reform, Term Limits & Wrap – [27:26–end]

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NYS Governor Kathy Hochul joined Power & Politics on Thursday, discussing her data center moratorium Executive Order.

"The brilliant people at these AI companies, and we welcome AI innovation, by the way, very much so, as we welcome all innovation in New York," she told CBS6's Tom Eschen in an exclusive interview. "You (AI companies) created a powerful force, a technology that has the possibility of changing civilization and how we work and how we communicate, how we live. Artificial intelligence. Why can't you harness that power and ask the question: Can you receive what you need without these huge hyperscale data centers. Can they be smaller? Can they go vertical? Can they use less power? Can they use less energy? Can they use less water and make less noise? I think that they should be at the table trying to innovate this. Given that all across the country, you know, Democrats, Republican, Independent doesn't matter your party. They're losing the public relations war, and they can be a lot smarter about how they handle this."

The Governor's Executive Order, in part, will establish a framework for municipalities to use while engaging with companies looking to build data centers in their area.

0:00 – Moratorium on Data Centers
Governor Hochul explains her new executive order and why New York is hitting pause on large data centers.

1:21 – Protecting Local Communities
How state agencies will set new rate structures, environmental standards, and a community investment framework.

3:23 – Pushing AI and Data Centers to Innovate
Hochul challenges AI companies to shrink power usage, bring their own power, and improve public perception.

4:14 – Who the Moratorium Actually Hits
Why only 50+ megawatt hyperscale facilities are targeted and concerns about grid readiness.

6:55 – No More Tax Breaks for Data Centers
Hochul on why profitable data center companies don’t need local tax subsidies and what communities should demand.

9:47 – Empire AI and Cutting Red Tape
Using the Empire AI public‑private partnership to review regulations, cut fees, and modernize state government.

12:46 – Final Word on Energy, Business, and AI
Hochul’s closing message on balancing economic growth, energy costs, and the promise of AI in New York
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Following his Democratic primary win, NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli joined Power & Politics, discussing the campaign along with other big issues impacting New Yorkers right now.

He also is looking ahead to the general election in November, where he faces challenger Joseph Hernandez.

Hernandez provides his thoughts on the Democratic primary, and how he'd approach the office if elected in November

These interviews were taped on July 1st, 2026
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