Tupper Lake town board introduces BESS, data center moratoriums

The Tupper Lake town board in New York unanimously voted at its August 24 meeting to introduce two 12-month moratoriums: one on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and another on data centers, accessory data centers, and cryptocurrency data mining. These proposed local laws, Local Law No. 3 and No. 4 of 2026, respectively, will now proceed to a public hearing, for which a date has not yet been announced, before the board can take a binding vote on their enactment.

Town Councilman Adam Boudreau stated that the moratoriums would allow the town more time to research the pros, cons, and risks associated with these developments and gather community input. Councilman Owen Littlefield echoed this sentiment, suggesting the moratoriums would enable the planning board to educate itself without the immediate pressure of pending applications.

While Town Supervisor Rickey Dattola initially questioned the need for the moratoriums, suggesting it could be deferred to the planning board, he ultimately voted in favor. The discussion highlighted the contentious nature of BESS, data centers, and cryptocurrency mines nationwide, citing common concerns over infrastructure, water, and electricity. The board also included provisions for potential extensions or premature termination of the moratoriums under certain conditions, such as the adoption of permanent superseding regulations.