Plattsburgh, NY, to Halt New Approvals for Crypto Mining and AI Data Centers for 12 Months

The City of Plattsburgh, located in northern New York State, is considering an ordinance that would freeze new land use approvals for cryptocurrency mining operations and AI data centers for a period of 12 months. The goal is to temporarily halt approval procedures for the establishment or expansion of high-energy-consumption computing facilities until the city completes its comprehensive revision of land use regulations.

The proposed ordinance was presented to residents at a public hearing held on the 3rd. It targets businesses whose primary purpose is high-energy-consumption computing—such as AI and cryptocurrency mining—with power demand exceeding 300 kilowatts. The hearing provided residents an opportunity to voice concerns and raise questions about such facilities.

During the moratorium period, the city would be barred from issuing new building permits, special use permits, site plan approvals, or any other land use approvals. However, facilities already lawfully operating as of the effective date would not be prevented from continuing operations.

The ordinance has not yet been approved. The next steps in the process call for the measure to first receive approval from Clinton County, where Plattsburgh is located, before returning to the City Council for a vote. The City Council is scheduled to convene again on September 17.