Potsdam town board eyes 12-month moratorium on large data centers

The Potsdam Town Board has proposed a 12-month moratorium on large-scale computing facilities, including data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations, within its jurisdiction, excluding the villages of Potsdam and Norwood. The proposed Local Law 2026-5 aims to prohibit the town from processing applications for these facilities while officials develop regulations to address their potential impacts.

Town Board Member Pat Brady initiated the proposal, citing growing concerns across the country regarding electrical demand, infrastructure strain, and water resource implications. The law defines large-scale facilities as those requiring at least 20 megawatts of electricity or 50,000 square feet of gross floor area for data centers, and 5 megawatts for crypto operations. A public hearing on the proposed moratorium is set for November 5 at 4:30 p.m. at the town hall.

The moratorium is intended to provide the board time to review existing zoning regulations, consult with various professionals (planning, engineering, utility, environmental, emergency-services, economic-development), and conduct environmental reviews. Brady noted that the county legislature had passed a law asserting local control over data center siting, and state-level moratoriums do not negate the need for local action. The board also plans to consider permanent regulations for these facilities during this period, addressing aspects such as siting, construction, utility demand, and environmental impacts. The moratorium would expire 12 months after taking effect or if permanent regulations are adopted sooner.