Even small Maine towns are weighing data center bans
Several small towns across Maine are considering temporary bans on data center development due to concerns over high water and power consumption. This follows a nationwide backlash and Governor Janet Mills' controversial veto of a statewide ban. Towns like Dixfield and Bethel are scheduling votes on these moratoriums, while others like Brunswick, Scarborough, and Eastport have already enacted them.
Towns throughout Maine are increasingly proposing and enacting temporary bans on data center construction, mirroring a growing national backlash against the industry's significant water and power demands. This municipal action comes after Governor Janet Mills controversially vetoed a proposed statewide temporary ban, a decision criticized by some and largely intended to protect a specific project in Jay that later fell through.
For instance, Dixfield, a town of under 2,300 residents, is scheduled to vote on a 180-day development ban next month, spurred by community concerns over potential strain on local resources. Similarly, Bethel's select board has placed a temporary ban proposal on its November ballot, and Ellsworth's city council is expected to vote on a ban soon. Activists, such as Dana Colihan of the environmental group Slingshot, emphasize that these bans help ensure public input in development processes, as residents often discover data center plans indirectly.
Examples of towns that have already passed bans include Brunswick and Scarborough, both enacting 180-day pauses in June due to resident concerns. Eastport also implemented a ban, putting a proposed underwater data center project on hold amidst strong opposition from a coalition including locals, lawmakers, and the Passamaquoddy tribe. This trend underscores a broader effort by communities to proactively regulate data center growth.