Why North Berwick plans to skip a data center moratorium and let voters decide
North Berwick will bypass the trend of enacting a local ban on data centers, opting instead to let residents vote on the issue in November. While at least six other Maine municipalities have passed their own temporary moratoriums on large-scale data center developments, North Berwick officials decided to skip that step and take the question directly to the ballot.
The statewide debate intensified after Governor Janet Mills vetoed a statewide data center pause in April, citing a lack of necessary exemptions for an already approved facility in Jay. In response, Bangor, Brunswick, Gorham, Sanford, Scarborough, and Westbrook approved their own moratoriums ranging from 91 to 180 days. Sanford’s pause, imposed via an emergency City Council meeting, came after the town received a proposal for a 1,000-acre development along the Mousam River, situated close to the North Berwick town line. Westbrook similarly adopted a temporary ban proactively, despite having no current proposals.
Select Board Chair Michael Johnson Jr. explained that North Berwick’s decision to forgo a moratorium was straightforward: the town has received no serious inquiries regarding a data center, and officials are uncertain where one would even be located. He noted that implementing a moratorium would also create bureaucratic delays, as it would first need to be brought before a town meeting, unlike Sanford's emergency council action.
"They’re proposing a data center a few miles from the North Berwick town line, and we’re trying to be proactive," Johnson said. "It’s better to get your feet on the ground and know what you’re looking for or not looking for before the situation occurs."
Despite the absence of formal proposals, local concerns regarding the environmental and residential impact of such facilities are prevalent. Town Manager Dwayne Morin said both residents and board members have reservations about the electricity and water usage required by data centers. "Everybody that’s spoken about it would like to see the town not allow them," Morin stated.
Noise pollution is another significant worry. Johnson pointed out the disruptive nature of the equipment, noting, "They emit a 90-decibel humming to it. It makes noise 24 hours a day. It’s the equivalent of a chainsaw running at full throttle."
To prepare for the November ballot, North Berwick’s ordinance language must be finalized by a September 1 deadline. Planning and select board members will continue to gather information and refine the language ahead of a public hearing scheduled for July 23.
