Gorham approves data center moratorium - Portland Press Herald

The Gorham Town Council in Maine has unanimously approved a 180-day moratorium on all large-scale data center proposals. The ordinance, passed by a 7-0 vote, is intended to give the council time to research and develop new regulations for artificial intelligence data centers, which opponents argue deplete natural resources and strain local infrastructure.

Residents speaking in favor of the moratorium highlighted concerns about data centers' significant impact on drinking water supplies, high electricity consumption, and noise pollution. Katherine Atwood, a board member of the Friends of the Presumpscot River, specifically noted "very significant deficits in their drinkable, potable water" in communities with data centers. Drew Tardiff also expressed concern about the "horrific amounts of pollution" due to the electricity demands.

Town Councilor Seven Siegel indicated the moratorium could be extended for another 180 days if deemed necessary. The move by Gorham follows similar actions in other Maine towns, such as Westbrook and Scarborough, after Governor Janet Mills vetoed a statewide bill earlier this year that would have temporarily restricted such developments.

During the public hearing, some residents also advocated for a broader moratorium on all large-scale industrial development, citing similar environmental and infrastructure concerns regarding a proposed Amazon warehouse distribution center project in Gorham. Anne Bilodeau argued that the town needs time to examine the impacts and ensure regulations can handle a business of that size, referencing traffic, air, light, and noise pollution. The Gorham Planning Board is currently awaiting revised site plans from Amazon for that project.