Dover Enacts 18-Month Moratorium on Data Centers
Dover became the first Delaware municipality to enact an 18-month moratorium on data centers. The measure, introduced by Councilwoman Donyale Hall, is intended to give officials time to address electricity and water concerns, although critics say it could discourage business investment.
Dover City Council enacted an 18-month moratorium on data center development, making the city the first municipality in Delaware to take that step. Councilwoman Donyale Hall said the pause is not intended as a rejection of data centers, but as a way to ensure the city properly evaluates their impacts.
The article links the moratorium to concerns about electricity supplies, utility rates and data center water consumption. Dover operates its own electric utility, while grid operator PJM has recently implemented special measures amid tightening power supplies. The move could also affect the city's business image, as developers promoting the large Project Washington data center in New Castle County have paused promotional efforts.