Here’s why some southern Maine towns haven’t considered pausing data centers — yet

Maine Towns Adopt Data‑Center Moratoriums After State Veto

The summer of 2026 saw a surge of local legislation across Maine, as 20‑plus municipalities put temporary bans on data‑center development in their planning files. The move comes after Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a state bill that would have imposed a statewide pause on permitting new data centers, prompting towns to take their own cautious steps.

The first wave of ordinances was approved in May, beginning with Brunswick and Bangor, followed by Westbrook, Gorham, Gray, Sanford, Scarborough, and Saco. Each ordinance suspends construction permits for up to 12 to 18 months, giving town officials a window to evaluate the potential impacts—such as traffic, environmental concerns, and changes to local zoning—and to update ordinances if necessary. The temporary nature of the bans means that the towns are not permanently excluding data‑center development but are simply pausing the process.

“Giving ourselves that breathing room lets us look at the bigger picture,” said a spokesperson for the Brunswick Planning Board. “It’s not about stopping growth forever, just ensuring we’re making the right decisions now.”

While some towns moved preemptively, others applied the moratoriums in response to specific proposals. Sanford, for example, imposed a halt to a project at Mousam River after a state‑wide emergency notice. Saco extended its ban by two months after a recent proposal was delayed. In each case, the city or town council used the moratorium as a tool to scrutinize the developer’s plans and the community’s readiness to host a data‑center facility.

Not all communities are in the same position. North Berwick, Buxton, and Wells have opted to let voters decide on moratoriums or outright bans during upcoming elections. In those towns, the issue remains on the table but has not yet moved past public debate.

The town of Yarmouth, for instance, has taken a “wait‑and‑see” approach. Planning and Development Director Erin Zwirko told reporters that “it’s a community‑by‑community decision.” After reviewing neighboring towns’ ordinances and consulting with the town manager, a code enforcement officer, and the legal counsel, Zwirko concluded that a data‑center would not fit into Yarmouth’s existing land‑use framework. “I don’t believe that type of use would fit into the goals of the community,” she said. She added, “An attorney working for a data center could interpret it differently,” but the team agreed that no immediate moratorium was necessary unless a new proposal emerged.

Similarly, Falmouth’s town council has not yet taken a position. Councilman Nathan Poore noted that the data‑center issue did not appear on the council’s annual work‑plan development meeting in the summer. The topic is slated for discussion at a mid‑year progress meeting in January, where councilors will decide whether a moratorium or ban should become a priority for the next six months.

Cumberland and South Portland are following a more hands‑off strategy. In Cumberland, Town Manager Matthew Sturgis said the town is monitoring the state’s policy direction. “We anticipate the Legislature will address it again in the first term,” Sturgis wrote in an email. He added that a moratorium or ban had not been considered because the town does not currently have a data‑center proposal on the docket. South Portland city staff similarly noted that no policy is needed at this time and no councilors have called for a workshop on the subject.

The wave of local moratoriums underscores a broader tension between Maine’s desire to remain a low‑tax, high‑quality of life state and the increasing demand from tech companies for new data‑center sites. Data‑center developers offer high‑pay jobs and significant tax revenue, but they also bring challenges such as increased traffic, heat, and power consumption.

Gov. Mills’ veto of the statewide ban—approved by the Legislature in late April—was a surprise to many. The bill would have temporarily restricted permitting for new data‑center projects statewide for 12 months. The veto left local governments to decide how to handle the issue on their own.

As of September, 18 towns have enacted a temporary moratorium, with more expected to follow. Residents of communities that have passed bans or are holding voter decisions are watching closely, as the next wave of proposals could tip the balance between economic opportunity and community character. Maine’s data‑center story is still unfolding, but the current trend points to a cautious, localized approach that prioritizes community input and long‑term planning.