Bucksport approves data center moratorium
Bucksport’s Town Council voted 5-2 to impose an immediate, six-month moratorium on data center applications and development. Supporters cited concerns about environmental impacts, electricity demand, water use and the town’s ability to regulate a potentially large project, while opponents said the blanket pause could hinder smaller facilities.
Bucksport’s Town Council approved a six-month moratorium on data centers in a 5-2 vote on Oct. 8. The ordinance immediately pauses the acceptance, processing and approval of permits and other approvals for data center construction, expansion or operation until zoning amendments are adopted or 180 days have passed.
Council members and residents raised concerns about environmental impacts, electricity consumption, water use, noise and heat pollution. The town has reportedly received interest in its former mill site from Kratos LLC, though that interest remains unconfirmed. Councilor Ed Rankin Jr. opposed the moratorium as overly broad and harmful to smaller developments, while Mayor Paul Bissonnette supported slowing the process to allow further study and public input.