AI Data Center Plan in Lansing Sparks Environmental Concerns at County Meeting

A proposed artificial intelligence data center in Lansing, New York by TeraWulf has drawn significant environmental concerns from local residents. The data center is planned for the site of a former coal-fired power plant and would consume up to 400 megawatts of electricity at peak capacity, as well as withdraw over 1 million gallons of water per day from Cayuga Lake. These resource demands sparked heated discussion at a meeting of the Seneca County Board of Supervisors. Local resident Andrea Jodeit voiced concerns about the impacts the facility could have on regional electricity costs and water resources. Jodeit urged the supervisors to take protective measures, including asking the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to reject a modified water withdrawal permit for the project. Some supervisors expressed skepticism about immediately taking action, questioning whether all the information presented had been independently verified. Meanwhile, the Seneca County Local Development Corporation presented its first annual report, outlining initiatives to advance economic and community development in the county. The meeting also featured updates from the Finger Lakes Regional Land Bank Corporation, which is partnering with Seneca Housing to develop affordable rental housing. These parallel developments illustrate the challenges local governments face in balancing economic opportunities with environmental stewardship and community needs.