Plattsburgh Weighs 12-Month Crypto Mining Ban Amid Zoning Concerns

Plattsburgh officials are considering a 12-month moratorium on new and expanded cryptocurrency mining, artificial intelligence, and other high-energy computing facilities. The moratorium aims to support zoning updates addressing electricity, noise, cooling, and safety concerns.

The proposed law would temporarily prevent city departments from issuing land-use approvals for covered high-energy facilities. Existing lawful operations may continue, but expansions requiring municipal approval would remain prohibited during the moratorium.

Plattsburgh previously halted Bitcoin mining in 2018 due to increased demand for hydroelectric power, which led to higher electricity costs for residents. The new proposal is broader and covers AI, cloud computing, and large data centers alongside cryptocurrency mining and blockchain validation.