Dover passes temporary data center ban
Dover City Council approved an 18-month moratorium prohibiting new AI data center applications within the city. Officials said the pause will allow the city to assess potential impacts on power infrastructure, utility rates, the environment and future development standards.
Dover City Council approved an 18-month ban on AI data center applications during its Oct. 12 meeting, following roughly two months of discussion. The moratorium applies within the city and was adopted despite there being no pending data center applications.
Councilwoman Donyale Hall said the temporary measure would protect residents, businesses, utility customers and infrastructure while city staff study whether Dover’s power grid can accommodate data center demand. Councilman Brian Lewis supported the moratorium but said he opposed data centers more broadly, citing concerns about environmental and health impacts, infrastructure strain and whether the projects would provide sufficient benefits to the city.