Data Center Moratorium Public Hearing Set in Oneonta Town
Eco-Yotta Project in Limbo
By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZELONEONTA
The Town of Oneonta board unanimously voted on March 11 to set a public hearing for a one year data center and commercial cryptomining moratorium at its regular meeting on April 8. The board is likely to pass the moratorium shortly thereafter.
“I just want to say thank you to the 700 community members who have shared and advocated for the community on this issue,” Town Supervisor Will Rivera (D) said just before the vote. “This is your government. We are here for you.”
If passed, the five-page moratorium would offer one year for town officials to develop a more permanent law regarding data centers and cryptomining. During that period, no proposal would be “accepted, processed, approved, approved conditionally, or issued” for a data center or commercial cryptocurrency operation in the town.
The moratorium as provided for the meeting agenda offers exemptions for certain medical uses, municipal education services and functions of government. There is also an exemption for facilities utilizing less than a certain threshold of power, though there is a blank space where the amount should be. Violating the moratorium could lead to a fine of up to $250.00 or up to 15 days imprisonment.
Board member and former interim town supervisor Brett Holleran (R) argued for moving straight to a law.
