Potsdam imposes 12-month pause on large data centers and crypto mines

The Potsdam Town Board has approved a 12-month moratorium on large-scale data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations, giving town officials time to consider zoning rules for facilities that could affect electricity demand, water resources, noise and surrounding land uses.

The board held a public hearing on the proposed moratorium Nov. 5, 2026, at 4:30 p.m., along with a hearing on the town’s 2027 preliminary budget. The moratorium applies to qualifying facilities in the unincorporated portion of the Town of Potsdam and pauses applications, permits and construction during the moratorium period.

Under the definitions described for the local law, a data center qualifies as large-scale if it has an actual or expected electrical demand of at least 20 megawatts or occupies at least 50,000 square feet. Cryptocurrency mining operations qualify at 5 megawatts or more. Ordinary computer systems and server rooms serving schools, hospitals, banks, colleges, municipal facilities or businesses whose primary purpose is not operating a large computing facility are excluded.

The town’s zoning rules do not specifically address the location, size, design or operation of large-scale computing facilities. During the moratorium, officials plan to review regulations and consult with planning, engineering, utility, environmental and emergency-services professionals. The process is also expected to include public input.

The issue has broader significance in St. Lawrence County, where officials approved a law in June asserting local control over data-center siting and offering planning assistance to towns. A proposed large-scale data center in Massena has drawn grassroots opposition. In Potsdam, residents in the unincorporated town are directly affected by the moratorium; the villages of Potsdam and Norwood are outside the scope described for the town restrictions.

The local threshold of 20 megawatts is lower than the 50-megawatt threshold in New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Executive Order 62, signed July 14, 2026. That order pauses discretionary state environmental permits for data centers using at least 50 megawatts for up to one year.

The moratorium will run for 12 months after its effective date unless it is repealed sooner or replaced by permanent rules. The Planning Board is expected to work on proposed regulations. Its next listed meeting is Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.

Residents can find meeting information, Zoom links and recordings through the Town of Potsdam website. Public input can also be directed to Town Hall at 18 Elm Street or by calling 315-265-3430.