Seneca Lake Plant Shifts to AI, Sparking Local Petition
Vulcan Infrastructure and Power converts a coal plant to AI. A local group demands a moratorium on new data centers.
Key points
- Vulcan Infrastructure and Power is converting a former coal plant in Torrey into an AI data center.
- A local petition with over 1,000 signatures calls for a moratorium on new AI development.
- The company states that existing permits cover the new high-performance computing operations.
In Torrey, New York, Vulcan Infrastructure and Power is converting a coal plant to an AI data center. A local group is petitioning for a development pause.
The site formerly belonged to Greenidge Generation. It previously switched from coal to cryptocurrency mining. Now, it pivots to high-performance computing for AI.
Local group seeks immediate pause
Yvonne Taylor of Seneca Lake Guardian started a petition. She claims the site is already 30% an AI data center. She argues state rules do not cover this specific facility.
Taylor says the impact extends beyond town borders. She cites risks to regional electricity bills and the environment. The petition has gathered over a thousand signatures.
Town official rejects moratorium idea
Town Supervisor Peter Martini said no formal proposal exists yet. He believes a legal moratorium is impossible for one project. He said the town is currently prepared for the change.
Martini noted that blocking a single entity is legally difficult. He said the town may act if things accelerate. He emphasized the lack of a specific development plan.
Company cites existing permits
Dale Irwin, president of Greenidge Generation, issued a statement. He said permitted emissions and water use remain unchanged. The company claims it continues to meet state agreements.
Irwin described the shift as a pivot in computer use. It moves from crypto to high-performance computing. Vulcan Infrastructure and Power has not responded to media queries.
