Portland, Westbrook look to tighten regulations on potential data centers
Portland and Westbrook city councils advanced measures to regulate potential data center construction in Cumberland County. Portland is developing land-use recommendations addressing noise, placement and environmental concerns, while Westbrook is preparing to vote on a proposed moratorium after public comment.
The Portland City Council voted to ask the city’s Planning and Urban Development department to develop recommendations for regulating potential data centers. The recommendations are expected to address land use, noise, placement, environmental concerns and the proximity of facilities to neighboring buildings. No data center has been proposed in Portland, and the action does not constitute a ban or moratorium.
In Westbrook, the City Council is expected to finalize a proposed moratorium at its next meeting following public comment. The measure would prohibit data center construction on city land, while exempting server rooms associated with businesses. Mayor David Morse said the city supports thoughtful investment but wants to weigh potential development against resource use and residents’ quality of life. The developments follow Gov. Janet Mills’ April veto of a statewide data center moratorium.