City of Plattsburgh considers moratorium on high energy computing facilities
The City of Plattsburgh, New York, is considering a one-year moratorium on high energy computing facilities, including data centers. This temporary measure would allow the city to review and revise its zoning regulations, which currently do not address the impacts of such facilities. A public hearing and a City Council vote on the proposed moratorium are scheduled.
The City of Plattsburgh, New York, is poised to hold a public hearing and subsequent City Council vote on a proposed one-year moratorium targeting "certain high energy computing facilities," which encompass data centers, blockchain, and artificial intelligence validation facilities. This temporary land-use planning measure aims to provide the city with time to conduct a comprehensive review and revision of its existing zoning regulations, which are currently insufficient to address the unique characteristics and potential impacts of these emerging high-energy industries.
The public hearing is scheduled for Thursday evening at 5:30 in the City Council chambers at City Hall, immediately followed by the regular council meeting where councilors will decide whether to approve the law. This local initiative follows a statewide precedent, as Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order in July establishing a temporary moratorium on data centers across New York.