Hallowell considering temporary ban on data centers
Hallowell City Council is considering a proposed 180-day moratorium that would block new data center applications and development while the city evaluates permanent regulations. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 9, after which the council could enact the moratorium or defer a final reading until December.
Hallowell City Councilors voted unanimously to advance a proposed ordinance imposing a 180-day moratorium on new data center applications and development. The temporary ban would give officials time to gather public input, assess infrastructure and environmental concerns, and develop permanent regulations for potential facilities.
The Hallowell Conservation Commission, led by Chair Hilary Neckles, urged the council to adopt the moratorium, citing data centers’ potential use of electricity, water, land and local infrastructure, as well as concerns about pollution, noise, emergency response and electricity costs. The proposal follows Gov. Janet Mills’ veto of a statewide data center moratorium bill in May. A public hearing is set for the Nov. 9 City Council meeting, when councilors may enact the moratorium or schedule a third reading for December.