Bucksport council approves data center moratorium
The Bucksport Town Council voted 5-2 to enact a moratorium on data center applications for up to 180 days. The pause will give the town time to develop regulations addressing concerns about electricity use, cooling-water demand, noise and environmental impacts.
Bucksport’s Town Council approved a data center application moratorium by a 5-2 vote at its Oct. 8 meeting. The moratorium is intended to pause applications while officials draft guidelines for future data center development; state law permits an initial term of up to 180 days, with a possible extension.
At least two companies have contacted town officials about potential data center locations, although no applications are currently before the Planning Board. Residents and council members cited electricity consumption, water use for cooling, noise and environmental impacts as reasons for the pause. Council members Edward Rankin Jr. and Teri Doty opposed a blanket moratorium, while supporters including Council Member Tracey Hair and Mayor Paul Bissonnette said the town needs time for research, legal guidance and public input.
The discussion comes as Bucksport awaits a report from the Maine Data Center Advisory Council. The state council was formed after Gov. Janet Mills vetoed legislation that would have created a statewide data center moratorium.