Hallowell considering temporary ban on data centers

HALLOWELL — Hallowell could become the latest Maine community to temporarily block data center development as city officials are considering a 180-day moratorium on the facilities.

City councilors voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward the proposed ordinance that would prohibit new applications and development for six months while officials consider how to regulate the facilities.

After Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would enact a statewide data center moratorium in May, numerous towns across the state have passed or are considering data center moratoriums on the local level.

The Hallowell Conservation Commission urged the City Council to adopt a moratorium at the September meeting, citing the need for proper safeguards to protect residents and the environment before moving forward.

In a letter to the council, Conservation Commission Chair Hilary Neckles raised concerns about data centers’ significant use of electricity, water, land and local infrastructure in addition to questions about pollution, noise, emergency response, tax agreements and high electricity prices.

Neckles said Mills’ veto “left municipalities to fend for themselves” and said she still hopes to see statewide regulations in the future.

The moratorium would give city officials time to hear more public feedback, evaluate concerns and develop a permanent ordinance regulating, or even restricting, potential data center developments.

Members of the public can weigh in on the proposed moratorium during a public hearing at the Nov. 9 council meeting. Councilors could waive the need for a third reading of the ordinance at that meeting, thereby enacting the moratorium. If not, the third reading would take place at the December meeting.…Read more by Sara Coughlin