Enfield Planning Board to Make Recommendation on Data Centers, Cryptocurrency Mining, Decision Uncertain
The Enfield town board is considering restricting or banning data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities, having directed its planning board to review the issue and make recommendations. This comes amidst broader concerns in New York, including a lawsuit and a petition against TeraWulf's proposed data center in Lansing and bans enacted by other towns like Dryden and Danby. Board members are divided between an outright ban and tight regulation, while also supporting state-level moratorium bills.
The Enfield town board in New York is actively discussing potential restrictions or an outright ban on data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities within its borders. At its May 13 meeting, the board unanimously passed a resolution, introduced by councilperson Robert Lynch, to direct the Enfield Planning Board to review the matter and provide recommendations on next steps. Key amendments to the resolution included removing a section about the town’s site plan review law, following a suggestion from Planning Board Chair Dan Walker.
The discussions reflect concerns among board members regarding the rapid expansion of data centers in New York and nationally, particularly highlighting potential environmental harm and energy costs. Town Supervisor Stephanie Redmond, who is also a project manager for Cayuga Lake Environmental Action Now (CLEAN), supports an outright ban. Councilperson Jude Lemke also prefers a ban, similar to actions taken by neighboring towns. In contrast, Councilperson Robert Lynch advocates for an "open-minded approach," suggesting tight regulation rather than a complete prohibition.
The town's consideration is influenced by recent developments in nearby municipalities. The proposed 400-megawatt AI data center by TeraWulf in Lansing, also in Tompkins County, has sparked significant criticism and a lawsuit filed by CLEAN and FLX Strong against the Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals. A petition opposing the TeraWulf project garnered 16,000 signatures in less than two weeks. Following the Town of Dryden's statewide precedent in banning data centers in January, the Danby town board also moved to effectively ban such facilities through zoning code amendments.
Despite Enfield currently lacking the necessary infrastructure for a data center, board members feel a responsibility to plan for future developments. The planning board has six months to review the issue and present recommendations to the town board. Additionally, the Enfield board unanimously voted to support New York State Senate Bill 9144 and Assembly Bill 10141, which propose state-level moratoriums on data centers and cryptocurrency mining.