Westbrook City Council approves 180-day data center moratorium
The Westbrook City Council unanimously approved a 180-day data center moratorium, effective immediately. This pause allows the city to review its land use ordinances and research the potential effects of data centers on the local energy grid and environment. The action comes after the Maine Legislature encouraged local municipalities to act following Gov. Janet Mills' veto of a statewide ban.
The Westbrook City Council has unanimously enacted a 180-day moratorium on data center development, effective immediately. The decision came Monday night as local leaders across Maine grapple with the potential impacts of such projects.
Westbrook Mayor David Morse indicated that the Maine Legislature encouraged local municipalities to implement their own moratoriums after Governor Janet Mills vetoed a bill in April that aimed for a temporary statewide ban on data center development. The moratorium will provide the city with time to review its existing ordinances and study the potential effects of data centers on the city's energy grid and environment.
During the moratorium, the planning board will review the city’s land use ordinance and submit recommendations to the City Council. Assistant City Administrator Jennie Franceschi noted that under current ordinances, data centers are only permitted in the Rock Row Contract Zone and would require improved performance standards. Although Westbrook has not yet received any applications, Mayor Morse stated that proposals in nearby communities like Scarborough and Sanford demonstrate developer interest in Maine, necessitating a pause for consideration.