FREDERICTON – With news coming out this week that a second AI data centre is being proposed for Lorneville, Green Economic Development critic Megan Mitton says that the Holt government must live up to their commitment to be “the most transparent government New Brunswick has ever seen” and tell New Brunswickers how many AI data centres are being proposed in the province and which communities are targeted in these plans.
“The Holt government is putting the cart before the horse as they continue to pursue AI data centre proposals before they’ve even concluded their lacklustre public consultations on how to regulate them,” said Mitton. “They must be upfront with New Brunswickers and with the communities where AI data centres are being proposed.”
In June, government MLAs refused to allow a vote on Mitton’s motion calling for a moratorium on hyperscale AI data centre development until the government passes legislation that ensures that the development and operation of AI data centres does not increase the price of electricity, harm communities, or harm the environment.
“The Holt government’s proposed AI data centre framework is so weak. It’s clear that it won’t protect New Brunswickers from the harms caused by rapid hyperscale AI data centre development,” said Mitton. “They need to hit the brakes and put a moratorium in place. We need legally enforceable legislation to protect New Brunswickers from the adverse health impacts and many other negative consequences of data centres before it’s too late.”