Brunswick considers pause on data center proposals

Brunswick, Maine, will hold a public hearing on June 1 to decide whether to impose a temporary moratorium on new data center projects. The proposed pause, lasting 180 days, would apply to facilities with electrical capacities of 1 megawatt or higher, a broader scope than an earlier draft that defined data centers by size or power thresholds. Town councilors removed the original definition after discussions, leaving only the energy-based restriction in place. The moratorium aims to allow Brunswick time to study the impacts of data centers, including their demand for electricity and water, which critics argue strains local utilities and increases pollution. Town Manager Julia Henze confirmed no active data center proposals exist in Brunswick, though the town already hosts a smaller facility owned by FirstLight on Brunswick Landing, which officials say has not caused issues. Brunswick’s move follows Gov. Janet Mills’ veto of a statewide bill that would have temporarily restricted large-scale data centers, prompting several Maine municipalities to consider their own policies. Nearby towns like Sanford and Scarborough are also exploring moratoriums in response to proposed projects, while Westbrook has already adopted a similar approach using the same legal framework. Proponents of data centers argue they bring economic benefits, including job creation and reduced tax burdens, while opponents highlight their environmental and resource costs. The debate comes as demand for data centers surges due to advancements in artificial intelligence, increasing pressure on local governments to balance growth with sustainability concerns.