Westbrook to seek temporary ban on data centers

Westbrook, Maine, is moving to enact a 180-day moratorium on data center development, as announced by the mayor's office on Tuesday. Mayor David Morse stated that the temporary ban is a "prudent" measure to prepare for potential data center proposals, citing public concern over the rapid growth of such facilities driven by AI and cloud computing. The proposal is scheduled for the City Council's Housing and Economic Development Committee meeting on May 18, with a possible vote by the full City Council on June 1. This local initiative follows Governor Janet Mills' recent veto of a statewide data center ban, although she supported a $550 million plan to convert a paper mill in Jay, Franklin County, into a data center. Additionally, Governor Mills established the Maine Data Center Advisory Council via executive order to provide recommendations to the Legislature. Westbrook city staff, acting on Mayor Morse's directive, determined that a pause would allow time to study the issue and develop appropriate standards for future data center proposals, thereby preventing undue strain on municipal infrastructure and resources. The city aims to update its land use ordinance and other relevant codes during this period.