Gorham to propose data center moratorium
Gorham, Maine, is proposing a 180-day data center moratorium, with a public hearing scheduled for June 2. The ordinance would allow the town time to develop policies and regulations for data center construction, citing concerns about noise, heat, water supply strain, and public infrastructure. This move follows a statewide bill to ban data center development being vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills.
The Gorham Town Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Tuesday, June 2, to consider a temporary, 180-day data center moratorium. The proposed ordinance aims to prevent any new data center projects from commencing while the town evaluates the potential impacts of such developments and formulates appropriate regulations.
Concerns outlined in the proposed ordinance include the potential for data centers to overburden public facilities and pose threats to public health, safety, and welfare. Specific issues highlighted are noise, heat emissions, strain on local water supplies, and damage to public infrastructure and natural resources. This local initiative follows similar measures taken by nearby towns Westbrook and Scarborough, and comes after Maine Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill in April that sought a temporary statewide ban on data center development. Although no specific data center plans have been proposed for Gorham, the moratorium reflects a growing trend of proposed data center developments across Maine and the nation.