Plattsburgh weighs 12-month crypto mining ban

Plattsburgh officials are considering a 12-month moratorium on new and expanded cryptocurrency mining, artificial intelligence and other high-energy computing facilities while the New York city updates its zoning rules. Summary Plattsburgh proposes a twelve-month moratorium covering new and expanded high-energy computing facilities within city limits. Facilities primarily using 300 kilowatts or more for crypto, AI, or cloud computing qualify automatically. Existing lawful operations may continue, but expansions requiring municipal approval would remain prohibited during moratorium. City officials say the pause would support zoning updates addressing electricity, noise, cooling, and safety. The Common Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for September 17, according to city records. Mayor Wendell Hughes introduced Local Law P-2 on Aug. 20. The Common Council held a public hearing on Sept. 3 but has not adopted the proposed crypto mining and AI data center ban. The measure would cover commercial facilities primarily devoted to cryptocurrency mining, blockchain validation, AI computing, machine learning, cloud computing, digital asset processing, server farms and colocation serv...