AI Data Centers are Delaying the U.S. Transition to Clean Energy, Requiring Fossil Fuel Power Plants to Operate
Why we oppose a new AI Data Center in Tompkins County: Mini Series Part 7
Delaying Transitions to Clean Energy
Utility companies in other parts of the country have delayed their transition to clean energy, citing data centers as an energy demand. The utility companies are not only delaying retirement of old gas-powered plants, but are actively applying for permits to build new ones, despite states’ laws to transition to renewable energy power generation.
This is a national, even global, problem that TeraWulf would be contributing to by building a 400 MW AI data center, despite the “excess” in energy they claim is in our grid.
Data Centers Delaying Fossil Fuel Retirement Nationally
According to a project director at Clean Energy Group, “Data centers are also delaying the retirement of fossil fuel power plants nationwide, with at least 17 fossil fuel generators originally scheduled for closure now delaying retirement.”
Load growth should not be an excuse to reverse climate progress and renew dependence on fossil fuel energy.
Trump’s Executive Order for Data Center Acceleration
In July, the Trump Administration issued an executive order accelerating the permitting of large data centers and power generators to support them, along with offering federal lands for data center construction. It seems this administration is doing all that they can to push AI data centers forward, to make the U.S. an AI superpower, without considering our climate goals or protecting our natural lands.
AI Data Center Development is Outpacing Renewable Energy Growth
In an interview with PBS News in May 2025, Kenza Bryan, climate reporter for the Financial Times said “AI data centers are massively contributing to the continued rise in power demand, which itself contributes to the continued rise in global emissions. And most importantly, it's growing faster than grid capacities. And even more importantly, it's growing faster than renewable energy growth.”
We Have the Ability to Slow Down the Current Unregulated AI Boom by Rejecting TeraWulf’s Development in Lansing
In a time when our country should be focusing on reducing our emissions, AI data centers are pushing utility companies to increase their gas and coal powered energy facilities. If we oppose TeraWulf here, that will be a win for the nation’s carbon emmission goals.
It is our duty to be informed about these big-picture topics related to AI and make the right decision for our community and for our lake. This concludes our mini series, but feel free to message us about why you’re opposed.
