United States communities implement moratoriums to regulate data center growth

Communities and local governments across the United States are increasingly implementing measures to regulate or halt the rapid expansion of data centers. In Eastport, Maine, the City Council unanimously enacted a 180-day moratorium on a proposed underwater artificial intelligence data center project by DeepGreen Holdings LLC, following opposition from residents and Passamaquoddy tribal officials regarding environmental impacts.

In Delaware, Dover officials are advancing an 18-month moratorium on data center approvals to allow for a comprehensive review of the industry’s impact on the city. Similarly, in Pennsylvania, a dispute over a massive proposed complex in Plymouth Township has fueled a national debate, leading Representative Ro Khanna to introduce a nonbinding resolution for a “Data Center Bill of Rights” to protect communities from proximity to such facilities.

Beyond local bans, the industry is employing “land banking” strategies, where operators purchase undeveloped parcels years in advance to secure future sites. Meanwhile, grassroots coalitions are organizing to address concerns ranging from climate pollution and energy demand to water usage and the protection of natural resources, such as the Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon.