South Berwick adopts data center moratorium
South Berwick’s Town Council voted 4-0 to impose a retroactive 180-day moratorium on new data center proposals. Officials will study potential impacts on town resources, including water and electricity, while drafting permanent development rules and awaiting state guidance.
South Berwick, Maine, has adopted a 180-day moratorium on proposed data centers, retroactive to July 14. The Town Council approved the measure in a 4-0 vote, with Vice Chair Mallory Cook absent; officials said they were not aware of any active data center proposals in the town.
The moratorium gives the South Berwick Planning Board time to study the potential effects of large-scale facilities and draft permanent guidelines, including possible size limits or a ban. Planning Board member Tony Palazzetti said officials had considered allowing facilities smaller than 100,000 square feet before reducing the proposed threshold to 10,000 square feet because of concerns about impacts on local water and electricity resources. The town also plans to consider recommendations from the state, expected by Jan. 29, 2027, and may extend the moratorium if additional time is needed.