Potsdam NY proposed 12-month data center/crypto moratorium, LL 2026-5 (2026)

Proposed Local Law 2026-5 (Town of Potsdam large-scale computing facility moratorium), proposed by the Town Board at its Sept. 18, 2026 meeting (NorthCountryNow, Sept. 24, 2026; Watertown Daily Times, Sept. 29, 2026 says 'September meeting'). Operative text (NCNow): the town may not accept, review, process or approve applications for construction, expansion or operation of qualifying large-scale computing facilities within the town's jurisdiction outside the villages of Potsdam and Norwood. (WDT instead describes the ban as covering 'the town and village of Potsdam and the village of Norwood' — geographic scope conflicts between outlets; NCNow's wording tracks the law's text.) Thresholds: data centers >=20 MW electrical demand or >=50,000 sq ft gross floor area; crypto facilities >=5 MW. Term: expires 12 months after taking effect unless repealed earlier; terminates automatically if permanent regulations are adopted; takes effect on filing with the NY Secretary of State. Study topics: electrical infrastructure, utility costs, water, emergency services, noise, heat, cooling, backup generation, rural character; permanent rules to address siting, construction, expansion, operation, buffering, utility demand, decommissioning, emergency response, environmental impacts. Public hearing 4:30 p.m. Nov. 5, 2026 (venue reported differently: WDT '18 Elm St. town offices', NCNow 'town hall on Main Street'). Context: NY statewide moratorium in place; St. Lawrence County acted in June on local control of siting. NOT ESTABLISHED: vote to schedule the hearing; final text.