Here are the Maine towns weighing data center bans
Voters in eight Maine municipalities are set to consider temporary moratoriums on data center construction, while North Berwick will vote on a permanent ban. The measures reflect growing concerns about data centers' energy and water use and follow Gov. Janet Mills' veto of a statewide moratorium earlier this year.
Voters in Brownfield, Eliot, Freedom, North Berwick, Peru, Sabattus, Wells and Wiscasset are scheduled to vote Nov. 3 on measures affecting data center development. Seven towns are considering temporary freezes, while North Berwick is considering an outright ban.
The local proposals come amid broader bipartisan opposition to data centers over their electricity and water demands. The Maine Legislature passed a statewide moratorium in April, but Gov. Janet Mills vetoed it, citing concerns about a proposed project in Jay that has since stalled. Municipalities are using temporary moratoriums to give themselves time to develop local rules while the Legislature considers revisiting the issue in its next session.