Dixfield OKs 180-day moratorium on data centers
Dixfield, Maine, citizens have voted to enact a 180-day moratorium on data center development, effective immediately. The moratorium will allow the Select Board and Planning Board to gather information on potential impacts to the local energy grid and environment, and to develop necessary ordinances and regulations.
Citizens in Dixfield, Maine, overwhelmingly voted 35-3 on September 14 to enact a 180-day moratorium on data center development within the town. The Dixfield Select Board recommended the moratorium to allow time to research the potential effects of data centers on the local energy grid and environment, and to develop ordinances to manage such development.
The vote occurred during a special town meeting at Ludden Memorial Library, following a debate sparked by residents, including Dan McKay, who cited rumors of a data center considering Dixfield. Select Board member Pete Holman confirmed that no permit requests for data centers had been submitted. Despite some criticism regarding the basis of the vote on rumors, moderator Larry Whittington acknowledged the prevalence of such speculation.
Elizabeth Kelly, a former planning board member, explained that the 180-day period is crucial for the Planning Board to research and draft an ordinance regarding data centers. Fire Chief Scott Dennett, who served as assistant moderator, clarified that the moratorium's purpose is to delay data center allowances until a comprehensive proposal can be presented and an informed decision made. Town Manager Alicia Conn stated that the next step is for the Planning Board to begin its research on data centers.