Town of Potsdam eyes local moratorium on data centers
A town councilman in Potsdam, New York, is proposing a local moratorium on data center construction. This proposal follows a recently approved statewide moratorium and aims to allow the town to develop specific zoning standards, study impacts on infrastructure and water resources, and gather community input. The councilman cited concerns about the electricity grid's capacity to handle increased demand from large data centers.
Potsdam Town Councilman Pat Brady is proposing a local moratorium on data center construction, seeking to establish a local law that would temporarily halt development. This move comes after New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a statewide moratorium on July 14, and St. Lawrence County backed municipal-level moratoriums.
During a July 14 town board meeting, Brady explained that a local moratorium would grant the town crucial time to develop specific zoning standards, assess the impact of data centers on local infrastructure, water resources, and land use, and facilitate public hearings for community input. He emphasized the importance of having regulations in place before developers submit building permit applications.
Brady's proposal is reinforced by concerns regarding the state's electricity grid. He cited insights from a New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) representative at a "Future Proofing the Grid" webinar, highlighting challenges from aging infrastructure and the grid's capacity to meet the rising electricity demand from large data centers. Brady has drafted a resolution, shared with the town board and Town Supervisor Marty Miller, with a discussion on moving forward with a public hearing anticipated in August.