Biddeford Planning Board votes to advance proposal prohibiting AI data center construction
The Biddeford Planning Board voted unanimously to advance a proposal that would prohibit the construction of AI data centers in the city. The board cited concerns over the pressure these facilities would place on the city's water and sewer systems. The proposal will now move to the Biddeford City Council for further discussion and consideration.
The Biddeford Planning Board unanimously voted to advance a proposal that aims to prohibit the construction of AI data centers within the city limits. The decision was made following a brief discussion among board members regarding potential loopholes in the prohibition and how to address them.
No public comments were offered during the meeting. Board members expressed concerns about the environmental impact, specifically mentioning the added pressure that "massive metal boxes full of computer hardware" would place on Biddeford's water and sewer systems. One member stated, "I don't think any of us are excited about the idea of massive. Metal boxes full of computer hardware and especially now with the pressure on our water and sewer systems that they would add."
The proposal will now be sent to the Biddeford City Council. The city's planning director anticipates that the city council will take up the discussion on whether to move forward with the proposed prohibition at a meeting scheduled for November.