An industry-loving Maine town splits on regulating data centers
The Bucksport Town Council in Maine is considering a moratorium on data center proposals to allow time for updating regulations. This move comes amid differing opinions, with some officials and residents advocating for caution due to environmental concerns, while others worry a ban would deter much-needed business investment. No data center projects have been proposed yet, but the town's industrial infrastructure makes it an appealing location.
The Bucksport Town Council is poised to consider a moratorium on data center proposals, a measure introduced by Councilor Tracey Hair following a resident's suggestion. The town's regulatory review committee has voted to advance the idea to an upcoming council meeting.
The proposal aims to allow Bucksport to update its land use ordinances and site plan review processes before it faces a specific data center development application. Proponents, including Councilor Hair and resident Ralph Chapman, emphasize the need for caution, citing potential environmental issues like noise, high energy and water demands, and water contamination that have arisen in other states. Councilor Paul Rabs also highlighted the importance of decommissioning requirements, which the town currently lacks for large projects.
However, other officials and residents, such as Councilor Ed Rankin and Mayor Paul Bissonette, express concern that a moratorium would send a negative message to potential developers, deterring business crucial for the town's tax base and property tax relief. Code Enforcement Officer Luke Chiavelli also suggested that a new ordinance might not be necessary and could scare off investors. Bucksport, historically an industrial town with infrastructure from a former paper mill, is seen as having realistic appeal to data center developers, and a state-funded economic development plan even identified data centers as a potential reuse for the mill property.