The Data Center Divide
A policy snapshot ahead of the 2026 midterms. Mapping data center incentives, restrictions, and bans through legislation, regulations, and executive actions across all 50 states and 1,462 local jurisdictions.
Town of Scarborough
This restriction takes precedence while in effect. The rating below excludes temporary restrictions.
Neutral Data Center Policies
Scarborough has an enacted measure described as temporarily halting approvals and covered data center development, expansion, and operation for 180 days, unless replaced or extended; its rationale calls it proposed.
Rating from Maine statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Town of Scarborough.
current law · Town of ScarboroughProhibits data center development and pauses related approvals for 180 days, covering proposals and applications submitted on or after April 1, 2026.Maine Scarborough Data Center Moratorium Ordinance (2026)
What this means
The proposed ordinance would temporarily stop the Town from processing approvals and would block data center development, expansion, or operation covered by the measure. It lasts 180 days, unless replaced sooner or extended, so it is a severe but temporary restriction.
Timing
- Ends
- 180 days after adoption, unless extended pursuant to law or until a new and revised set of regulations is adopted by the Town, whichever shall first occur.
People behind it
- Town Council Chair
Assigned to the action item and gave an overview before the public hearing.
- Councilor Anderson
Moved approval of the ordinance’s second reading.
- Councilor Hayes
Seconded the motion to approve the ordinance’s second reading.
Show 1 more peopleShow fewer people
- Town Council of the Town of Scarborough
Enacted the ordinance and approved its second reading.
Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements4
The moratorium covers proposals to develop, establish, operate, or expand data centers on or after April 1, 2026. It also applies retroactively to related applications submitted on or after that date, even if they were already pending.
While the moratorium is in effect, Town officials may not accept, process, or act on any application for an approval related to establishing, operating, or expanding a data center. No person may develop, establish, operate, or expand a data center based on an approval application submitted after April 1, 2026.
The moratorium takes effect upon adoption and lasts 180 days, unless extended under law or ended sooner when the Town adopts revised regulations.
Violations are subject to civil penalties and other remedies under 30-A M.R.S. § 4452.
Sources
Data provided by Regbase · Cookie preferences · Report missing data