Lynn Trupiano O'Keefe
DemocraticQ1 Data centers are a controversial part of America’s growing AI industry, supporting cutting-edge innovation and potential job creation, but raising issues of resource use and utility costs. New York now has a moratorium on data center construction. At the same time, state tax law grants tax exemptions to equipment and services used by data centers, which some proposed legislation would repeal. What do you see as the right balance of costs and benefits for new data center construction in New York, and how would your policies accomplish that balance?
I support responsible innovation that creates good jobs while protecting our communities. Data center owners must be accountable for their energy and water use, environmental impacts and worker safety. Residents and small businesses should not have to pay higher utility bills to subsidize these facilities. As an Assembly member I would support requiring independent assessments of electricity demand, water use, and community impacts before construction is approved. Companies should pay the full cost of the infrastructure upgrades they require, meet enforceable environmental and safety standards, and publicly report their resource use. Local residents must have a meaningful voice in the approval process.
The cost should not be on the backs of the residents. I would support ending automatic tax exemptions for data centers. Any incentive should depend on measurable public benefits, including permanent good paying local jobs, strong labor protections, and compliance with environmental standards, with repayment required if companies fail to deliver.
KEYWORDS: Accountability, affordable utilities, clean water, worker safety, responsible innovation, community input.
Q2 New York currently generates about 47% of its energy from low carbon sources including nuclear, hydropower, and wind and solar, with the remainder coming from combustion sources (natural gas, oil, biofuel, and solid waste). While New York committed to shifting to low-carbon energy sources and emissions reductions in passing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), Governor Hochul recently moved to delay implementation of several components of the state’s climate law to December 31, 2028. As concerns about energy costs, reliability, and emissions grow, what energy sources would you prioritize, under what timeline, and what evidence would guide that decision?
I support a cleaner energy future that keeps electricity affordable and reliable for families and small businesses.
Over the next two years, I would prioritize energy efficiency, rooftop and community solar, and modernizing or electric grid, while maintaining safely operated existing nuclear and hydropower facilities. Over the following three to five years, I would support expanding responsibly located wind and solar projects, together with the transmission and storage necessary to support them. I support New York’s climate goals, with annual public reviews to measure progress and address obstacles. Before retiring existing power plants, independent assessments must demonstrate that replacement resources can meet demand during extreme weather and periods of low wind or sunlight. My decisions would be guided by independent grid reliability studies, the total cost to consumers, emissions reductions, public health impacts, and community input. I would also push for transparent utility spending, assistance for struggling households, and good union jobs throughout the transition. We need measurable progres that protects both oir environment and peoples ability to pay their bills.
KEYWORDS: Affordable, reliable, clean energy, grid modernization, accountability, good union jobs.
Q3 Young adults say that social media is their top source of science information, but acknowledge that it is less trustworthy compared to other sources. In addition, the widespread usage of social media and other sources of scientific information has resulted in the spread of misinformation that has spurred public education policies to curb it, such as a NYC vaccine misinformation legislation. What role should public education play in combatting misinformation and disseminating trustworthy, up to date scientific information to students and their families?
As a healthcare professional for 36 years, I value evidence based information. Public schools should teach students how to evaluate sources, distinguish evidence from opinion, and recognize misinformation. We need support and training resources for teachers, partnerships with scientists and healthcare professionals, and sharing clear regularly updated information with families. Building trust means welcoming questions and explaining the evidence respectfully.
KEYWORDS: Scientific literacy, critical thinking, reliable sources
Q4 Pesticides are widely used in food production to help manage pests and support crop yields, but ongoing debates over their safety have raised questions about their long-term use and led to proposals to restrict certain pesticides. What data and evidence will you use to weigh the role of these products in food security against safety concerns when shaping policy on their use in New York agriculture?
I would weigh independent, peer reviewed research, EPA and New York DEC assessments and Cornell agricultural studies. I would examine long term health effects, exposure among children, and farm workers, water contamination, and impacts on pollinators alongside crop yields food prices, and the effectiveness of alternatives. I support restricting pesticides when evidence shows unacceptable risks and helping farmers adopt safer, effective pest management methods.
KEYWORDS: Evidence based policy, public health, clean water ,food security, farmer support.
Q5 New York has the second largest international student population of any U.S. state, the majority of which study in STEM fields. The federal government is pursuing largescale changes to student visa approval, including increased visa denials, revoking existing visas, restricting travel from certain countries, and decreasing student visa durations. How, if at all, should New York respond to federal visa changes affecting international STEM students and researchers, and the resulting projected changes in the scientific workforce supply?
New York should help universities provide legal guidance and support to affected students and researchers, advocate for fair federal visa policies, and protect research continuity. We need to track work force gaps and expand STEM scholarship training and university partnerships with local employers. We should welcome international talent while investing in opportunities for New Yorkers.
KEYWORDS: International talent, STEM education, research continuity, workforce development, fair visa policies
Q6 Extreme weather events are increasingly impacting farmland and food supplies across NY, including up to 30 million dollars in damages to farmer livelihoods. This has prompted the USDA to designate 30 counties in New York as Natural Disaster Areas. What policies, if any, would you support to help farmers adapt to and prepare for increasingly erratic weather?
I would support grants for flood protection, efficient irrigation, soil conservation, and crops suited to changing weather conditions. I would also prioritize timely disaster relief and Cornell Cooperative extension guidance, with simple applications accessible to small farms. investing in preparation helps farmers’ livelihoods and our food supply.
KEYWORDS: preparation, climate resilience, flood protection disaster reliefn, disaster relief
Q7 Law enforcement agencies across New York have contracted with Flock to install Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras as a public safety tool. The technology is receiving pushback over concerns over privacy and data sharing, resulting in city councilors in Syracuse voting to remove Flock cameras. What are your views on accessibility and utilization of ALPR data by local and federal law enforcement, and what legislation, if any, would you propose governing how ALPR data is collected, stored, shared and retained?
i support license plate readers for legitimate public with strong privacy safeguards. I would propose legislation limiting collection and searches to defined purposes, requiring secure storage, access logs, independent audits, and deletion after a short retention period unless needed for a specific investigation. Sharing with local or federal agencies should require a documented lawful purpose, with judicial approval for tracking a persons’s movements over time and penalties for misuse.
KEYWORDS: public safety, privacy, defined purposes, judicial approval
Q8 Smoke from Canadian wildfires in recent summers has pushed New York air quality to unhealthy levels. The long-term consequences, if any, of these wildfires are unknown: Short-term data show a rise in asthma-related emergency department visits during smoke events, though some studies suggest the increase is comparable to that seen on high-pollen days. With extreme wildfire seasons projected to become more frequent as global temperatures rise, what measures, if any, do you think New York should invest in to prepare for future smoke events?
investing in air quality monitoring, timely public alerts, and improved air filtration systems in schools and public buildings. New York shold provide accessible clean air shelters and help low income families obtain air purifiers, prioritizing children, seniors, and people with heart and lung conditions. Clear plans fpr schools and outdoor workers, along with research on long term effects, should guide our preparation.
KEYWORDS: preparation, accessible shelters, research
Q9 New York is the second largest recipient of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Proposed federal budgets would significantly reduce NIH funds going to New York hospitals, universities, and research institutions. Where do you stand on the proposed changes to NIH funding levels, and what steps, if any, would you take to address their potential effect on New York’s research sector?
I oppose deep cuts to NIH research funding. After 36 years in healthcare, I understand the importance of research in improving patient care. I would work with New York’s congressional delegation to defend federal funding and support targeted temporary state funding to preserve critical projects and research jobs.
KEYWORDS: medical research, NIH funding, patient care