Bangor considers temporary pause on new data centers

Bangor, Maine, city councilors have moved forward with a proposal for a six-month moratorium on new data center projects, setting it for a full council vote at their next regular meeting on April 13. The decision stems from concerns that the city's current planning rules are inadequate to address the significant infrastructure and resource demands that large data centers place on municipal services. Councilor Susan Faloon articulated the city's desire to attract new businesses and create jobs while ensuring that such growth is sustainable and manageable. She emphasized the need to balance economic benefits with the potential negative impacts on the community's resources, particularly regarding electricity, water, and the environment. Jon Ippolito, a University of Maine professor, supported these concerns, pointing out that data centers require substantial municipal water and electricity, which could strain existing infrastructure and affect residents. Chuck Harrison, General Manager of the Bangor Water District, also backed the temporary pause, noting that modern data centers could consume up to five million gallons of water daily. He stressed the importance of ensuring the district can support existing customers before taking on additional, unpredictable demands. If the moratorium passes, it will allow the city time to update its regulations and consider state guidance for future projects, aiming to create a framework that can adequately manage the unique demands of data center development.