Town of Canton considers moratorium on data centers
The town of Canton, New York, is considering a moratorium on data centers exceeding 20 megawatts until June 2027. Town leaders aim to use this period to educate themselves and establish comprehensive local regulations for such facilities. A public hearing and a vote are scheduled for July 8.
The Town of Canton, New York, is actively considering implementing a moratorium on data center development, a move that reflects broader discussions across the North Country region. Town Supervisor Jim Smith stated that the proposed moratorium is intended to provide town leaders with time to research and understand data centers better, enabling them to determine if such facilities align with community interests.
The proposed local law, which will be subject to a public hearing on July 8, would temporarily halt the development of data centers exceeding 20 megawatts within the town until June 2027. Following the public hearing, town lawmakers are expected to vote on the proposal immediately. Supervisor Smith indicated a strong intention to enact the moratorium, citing a lack of current local rules for data centers and a plan to establish comprehensive regulations during the moratorium period, similar to the town's previous approach to solar energy development. Officials confirmed that there are no current data center proposals in Canton, and this consideration comes amidst calls from county lawmakers for municipalities to pass similar moratoriums.