Two online petitions opposing a proposed AI data center project along Cayuga Lake are gaining traction as concerns mount over environmental impacts, electric grid strain and quality-of-life issues tied to the development.
One petition organized by advocacy group No Data Center FLX had collected more than 7,300 signatures as of this weekend, while a separate Change.org petition had nearly 500 verified signatures.
The opposition centers on plans by TeraWulf, a bitcoin mining company that has shifted toward artificial intelligence infrastructure, to develop what petition organizers describe as a 300- to 400-megawatt AI data center on the shores of Cayuga Lake in the Town of Lansing.
Petition organizers argue the project could permanently alter wetlands, increase runoff into Cayuga Lake and create long-term environmental consequences for the broader watershed. They claim the proposal would require clearing more than 40 acres of forested hillside and constructing new transmission infrastructure through wetland areas.
The Action Network petition also raises concerns about energy demand and electric reliability, citing warnings from the New York Independent System Operator about future grid challenges statewide. Organizers argue a data center of that scale could place additional pressure on an already strained power system and contribute to rising utility costs.
Additional objections focus on construction impacts and operational noise. According to the petition, TeraWulf has proposed around-the-clock construction that could last up to six years. Petition organizers say nearby residents, wildlife habitats and recreational users of Cayuga Lake would all be affected by sustained activity and equipment noise.
Opponents also point to recent revisions they say were shared with the Lansing Planning Board regarding backup generators and water usage. According to the petition, TeraWulf informed local officials it may install six diesel generators for backup power and withdraw up to 700,000 gallons of lake water per day for cooling during extreme heat conditions.
A separate Change.org petition frames the issue more broadly around preserving Cayuga Lake’s environmental and cultural significance. Organizers describe the lake as a community landmark that supports wildlife, recreation and mental well-being, while warning against development they believe could disrupt the region’s natural balance.
“The choice is not between progress and nature, but how to balance both,” the petition states.
Supporters of the petitions are calling on local governments and planning officials to reject the project or pursue alternatives they believe would better protect the Cayuga Lake watershed. The petitions specifically target the Lansing Planning Board, Lansing Town Board and Tompkins County officials.
TeraWulf has not publicly responded within the petitions themselves to the concerns raised by opponents.
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