State slashes Cayuga Lake water withdrawals by 99% in major decision

New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has drastically cut the water withdrawal limit for Cayuga Operating Company from Cayuga Lake, reducing it by 99% from 245 million gallons per day to just 1 million. This decision, described as a major environmental move, aims to protect the lake's water quality and enforce contemporary standards. County officials expressed support for the DEC's action. State leaders further clarified that this updated permit applies solely to Cayuga Operating Company's current operations. Any potential future data center proposals, including those linked to TeraWulf, will be subject to separate and thorough environmental reviews, underscoring the state's intent to scrutinize new developments independently.