Genesee County residents pack hearing to oppose proposed $19 billion data center project

A public hearing in Genesee County, New York, drew a significant crowd of residents and members of the Seneca Nation who strongly opposed a proposed $19 billion data center project. The primary concerns raised were environmental, focusing on potential impacts related to the power grid strain and extensive water usage by the facility. Mark Macy, President and CEO of the Jennese County Economic Development Center, addressed the concerns, stating that the project's estimated water usage is significantly lower than some claims, closer to 13,000 gallons per day rather than 20,000. He also noted that the New York Independent System Operator (NISO) has approved a request for 600 megawatts to power the site. Macy suggested that much of the opposition stems from misinformation, while opponents countered that the misinformation originates from the economic development center. The proposed data center project is planned for a 130-acre site within the Jese County Science, Technology, and Advanced Manufacturing Park.