Lansing activists rally against proposed Cayuga Lake data center

Opponents of a proposed 300-megawatt artificial intelligence data center on Cayuga Lake are organizing a rally at Salt Point Natural Area in Lansing. The event is part of a statewide “Stop Data Centers” tour led by State Senator Kristen Gonzalez and the environmental group Food & Water Watch.

Members of the FLX Strong coalition are protesting TeraWulf’s proposed project on the Cayuga Lake shoreline, citing concerns regarding environmental impact, wildlife protection near the Cayuga Shores Wildlife Management Area, construction noise, and electric-grid reliability. Organizers note the development would require clearing over 40 acres of forested hillside and blasting bedrock.

Activists are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the Responsible Data Center Development Act. The bipartisan legislation, which passed both chambers of the state Legislature in June, would impose a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers exceeding 20 megawatts. It also seeks to mandate energy-efficiency standards, public hearings, and host-community public benefit programs.