Plattsburgh, New York weighs temporary ban on crypto mining and AI data centers

Plattsburgh, New York held a public hearing on a proposed temporary land use moratorium covering “certain high energy computing facilities,” including cryptocurrency mining and AI data centers. The measure would pause approvals for operations drawing at least 300 or more kilowatts (kW) for 12 months.

Public hearing on “high energy computing” moratorium

During a Thursday hearing, Plattsburgh Mayor Wendell Hughes and the common council heard public comments on a local law aimed at restricting land use tied to high power computing operations. The proposal targets both crypto mining and artificial intelligence facilities under a single energy threshold.

300 kW threshold and 12-month pause

If approved, the moratorium would halt approvals for covered facilities requiring 300 or more kilowatts (kW) for 12 months. The council is considering how the rule would apply to both existing and new projects that meet the power requirement.

Mayor had not approved as of Tuesday

As of Tuesday, reports indicated the mayor had not approved the moratorium. Another council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 17.

Plattsburgh previously banned Bitcoin mining for 18 months

Plattsburgh was among the first US jurisdictions to ban Bitcoin (BTC) mining in response to residents’ concerns about electricity costs. That earlier moratorium, passed in 2018, lasted 18 months.

Why this matters

Local power demand has become a central issue for both Bitcoin mining and AI infrastructure siting. A 12-month pause on high energy computing approvals in Plattsburgh could affect how quickly new crypto and AI data center projects move from planning to permitting.