Sanford imposes emergency data center moratorium, halting Mousam River project

The Sanford City Council unanimously approved an emergency three-month moratorium on new data center developments, immediately halting the proposed 1,000-acre Sanford Woods Industrial and Technical Campus along the Mousam River. The 91-day pause, effective until August 12, will prevent the acceptance, approval, or issuance of permits for large-scale data centers within the city.

This decision follows Maine Governor Janet Mills' veto of a temporary statewide ban on data centers, which prompted several municipalities, including Sanford, to pursue local measures. Sanford Mayor Becky Brink publicly criticized the Governor's veto, affirming the city's commitment to protect its residents. City Manager Steven Buck announced plans for a task force to review data center concerns and propose ordinance amendments.

Randy Gibbs, the primary developer for the Sanford Woods project, expressed support for the moratorium, stating it would allow his team to inform the committee and community about the project's data center component. However, many Sanford residents, organized by groups like the Sanford Clean Water & Air Coalition, have voiced strong opposition, citing significant concerns over water and energy consumption. The Coalition called the moratorium a "step in the right direction" but hopes for a permanent ban, having submitted its own moratorium language for consideration. Buck noted the 91-day period might be insufficient and suggested the Council would likely need to establish a longer pause.