Ellsworth to Consider AI Data Center Moratorium
Ellsworth City Council is preparing to vote on a proposed preemptive moratorium on AI data centers following a public hearing. This local effort comes after Maine Governor Janet Mills vetoed a similar statewide moratorium, citing concerns about a specific project in Jay. Supporters of the Ellsworth moratorium highlight potential negative environmental impacts and the significant electricity demands of data centers.
The Ellsworth City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed preemptive moratorium on AI data centers after holding a public hearing. The city's communications director, Amy Kenney, confirmed that Ellsworth has not yet received any data center construction applications. This local initiative follows the recent failure of a statewide moratorium, which Maine Governor Janet Mills vetoed in April, citing concerns about a project at the former Androscoggin Mill in Jay. State lawmakers attempted to override the veto but lacked the necessary two-thirds majority.
Councilor Nancy Smith, a supporter of the Ellsworth moratorium, emphasized the need for preemptive action to establish policies regulating the location and scale of future data center projects. She expressed concerns about potential negative environmental impacts and the significant power demands of data centers, urging state-level regulators to address these issues. Smith also acknowledged the economic benefits of data centers but stressed the importance of community benefit agreements to ensure local residents and businesses benefit.
Ellsworth is not alone in its consideration of a data center moratorium. The Bangor City Council approved a six-month hold in mid-April due to increased development pressure. Eastport also recently considered an ordinance to prohibit large underwater data centers, though its enforceability is questioned by lawyers. Other Maine municipalities, including Westbrook, Gorham, Scarborough, Brunswick, and Gray, have already implemented similar bans.