Gray joins growing list of towns with data center moratoriums - Portland Press Herald
The Gray Town Council unanimously approved a temporary, 180-day moratorium on data center construction, effective retroactively to July 14. This decision follows Governor Janet Mills' veto of a proposed statewide moratorium. The town will use this period to develop new zoning standards and regulations for data centers.
The Gray Town Council in Maine unanimously enacted a temporary moratorium on data center construction, lasting 180 days and effective July 14. This local action comes shortly after Governor Janet Mills vetoed LD 307, a bill that would have imposed a first-in-the-nation statewide moratorium on data center approvals until November 2027.
Following the failure of the statewide initiative, Gray joins other towns like Gorham, Scarborough, Brunswick, and Westbrook that have implemented their own local moratoriums. The Greater Portland Council of Governments has even released guidance, including sample language, to assist communities in developing data center policies.
During a public comment session on August 4, a resident voiced strong support for the moratorium, citing concerns about potential environmental damage and noise pollution observed in communities with data centers. Councilors debated the economic impact, with Councilor Michael Johnson advocating for more research into environmental effects and Councilor Pamela Edson expressing skepticism about data centers boosting local business due to minimal staffing.
The 180-day halt is intended to provide the Town Council sufficient time to develop specific standards and regulations for data centers, which will then be incorporated into the town's zoning ordinance.