Lansing introduces data center ban amid shifting town board opinions

The Town of Lansing officially introduced a local law at their Oct. 21 Town Board meeting that, if approved, would ban data centers. The proposal was welcomed by a majority of the Town Board when it was first discussed in September, but now one board member reconsidering their support. The resolution, which passed in a 3-2 vote, sets the stage for a public hearing and final vote in November. The resolution also asks that the proposed local law be reviewed by the Lansing Planning Board and the Tompkins County Planning Department. The local law could have significant impacts on the development of a data center on the shores of Cayuga Lake, but would also affect all future proposals. TeraWulf, a Maryland-based company, first announced plans in August 2025 to convert a former coal-powered plant to a data center. Since then, the proposal has spurred both fierce opposition and strong support. The contentious issue has defined local elections and has led to multiple legal actions.