US municipalities implement moratoriums on new data centers

Local governments in the United States are implementing moratoriums on new data center developments to evaluate their impact on infrastructure and resources.

In Woodbury, the City Council approved a moratorium lasting up to one year. This pause allows the city to study electricity demand, water usage, noise levels, and potential zoning changes. The ordinance blocks rezoning proposals, comprehensive plan amendments, and various permits related to data center expansion. Woodbury currently hosts three facilities, including two operated by IronGate and one by Medtronic.

In South Berwick, Maine, the town council voted to hold a final public hearing in October regarding a proposed 180-day ban on data center applications. The proposed ordinance would apply to facilities exceeding 10,000 square feet. Officials noted that such a moratorium provides a runway to incorporate specific data center guidelines into the town’s existing zoning ordinances.