The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Town of Thurston
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Pro-Data Center Policies
Thurston has enacted a two-year pause on accepting applications or issuing permits for data centers, including AI and large-scale data-processing facilities, making construction or expansion harder during that period.
Rating from New York statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Town of Thurston.
current law · Town of ThurstonEstablishes a two-year moratorium on commercial cryptocurrency mining operations and data processing centers in the Town of Thurston, covering facilities used for cryptocurrency mining, blockchain authentication, artificial-intelligence processing, and other large-scale data processing or storage.New York Local Law No. 5 (2026) — Town of Thurston, Steuben County
What this means
The measure would stop the Town from accepting applications or issuing permits for data centers, including facilities used for AI and large-scale data processing (permit restrictions). The pause would last two years unless ended earlier, making building or expanding a data center substantially harder during that period (two-year duration).
Timing
- Ends
- two (2) years from the effective date
The moratorium takes effect immediately upon filing with the New York Department of State and may be terminated earlier by the Town Board.
People behind it
- Dan Gee
Moved the resolution to adopt Local Law #5 establishing the two-year moratorium.
- Jennifer Hargrave
Seconded the resolution to adopt Local Law #5.
- Town Board of the Town of Thurston
Enacted and adopted Local Law #5 establishing the moratorium.
Show 1 more peopleShow fewer people
- Code Enforcement Officer
Designated as the enforcement officer responsible for interpreting and enforcing Local Law #5.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements7
A two-year moratorium prohibits commercial cryptocurrency mining operations and data processing centers in the Town, unless the Town Board ends it earlier. moratorium imposed for two years
During the moratorium, the Code Enforcement Officer may not accept an application for a commercial cryptocurrency mining operation or data processing center. shall not accept an application
During the moratorium, the Code Enforcement Officer may not grant a permit for a commercial cryptocurrency mining operation or data processing center. shall not grant any permit
Violations may result in a fine of up to $250, imprisonment for up to 15 days, or both; each additional week of violation is a separate violation. fine of not more than $250
A civil penalty of up to $2,500 may be imposed for each day or part of a day that a violation continues. civil penalty of not more than $2,500 for each day
The Town may seek court-ordered injunctive relief to prevent, restrain, correct, or abate a violation, with Town Board authorization required before starting the action. prevent, restrain, correct, or abate any violation
The Town Board may seek reimbursement for costs incurred in identifying and remedying violations, including reasonable attorney fees. reasonable attorney fees
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data