The authorities of Salamanca, New York want to buy time to develop rules for cryptocurrency mining.

Members of the city council have voted unanimously for a moratorium on “commercial cryptocurrency mining operations” within the city.

The local news outlet Salamanca Press reports that the acceptance of applications and the issuance of permits for the connection of mining companies to the city’s electricity network has been suspended.

The city administration plans to develop and adopt a bill on zoning and land use before enterprises that mine cryptocurrency irreversibly change the infrastructure of the city. Public hearings on this issue will be held on September 12.

Timothy Flanigan, member of the City Council and the Council of public services (BPU) explained that BPU has not approved the rules and instructions necessary for proper work with cryptocurrency operations. Referring to the large number of cases of using the power grid to produce digital money, he added that the moratorium will give the authorities time to create a regulatory framework without hitting the city’s power system. Flanigan also noted that residents of Salamanca should continue to receive cheap electricity.