In a first for Delaware, Dover passes moratorium on data center development
The Dover City Council unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on new data center construction and on reviewing proposals for large energy-use facilities. Officials will use the pause to study data centers’ effects on electricity demand, the environment, infrastructure and residents before developing potential regulations.
Dover City Council unanimously approved an 18-month moratorium on construction of data centers and on the city’s review of proposals for large energy-use facilities, including facilities consuming more than 30 megawatts. Councilwoman Donyale Hall said the pause is intended to give officials time to study the industry’s potential effects and determine how it should be regulated, rather than permanently reject data centers.
The action follows extended debate in Delaware over data centers’ electricity use, environmental effects, water consumption and potential impact on power bills. Councilman Brian Lewis advocated a permanent ban, citing public health, the environment and infrastructure, while supporters of data centers point to jobs and tax revenue. Dover officials have been approached about multiple potential projects, but no formal applications have been filed. New Castle and Kent counties have separately adopted restrictions on data center locations, buffers, noise and water-intensive cooling systems, while state lawmakers enacted additional power-supply requirements.