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Regbase

The Data Center Divide

Town of Wiscasset

Neutral Data Center Policies

Maine has no general data-center ban, but enacted rules remove certain tax and business incentives for facilities operating from August 2026, with some expansions affected. A narrow electricity-provider limit applies at certain sites, and state agencies are directed to develop ways to make data centers cover costs they cause.

Rating and summary from Maine statewide as there are no scored current or future laws outside temporary restrictions for Town of Wiscasset.

pending · Town of Wiscasset
Pauses applications for new or expanded data centers in Wiscasset for 180 days while the town studies their impacts, with possible extensions.Wiscasset Data Center Moratorium Ordinance (Ballot Measure)

What this means

Analytical assessment: restrictive but temporary. If adopted, the proposal would pause applications for new, enlarged, or expanded data centers and expire six months after enactment unless lifted earlier or extended. Enactment is not verified.

Timing

If adopted, the moratorium would expire six months after enactment unless lifted earlier or extended. Extensions of no more than 180 days each require continued need and reasonable progress. Exact calendar expiry and extension authority are unverified without certified ordinance text.

People behind it

  • Proposes the data center moratorium.

  • Certifies the warrant for voter consideration.

Restrictions & requirementsHide restrictions & requirements3

  • If adopted, the Town would stop accepting, processing, reviewing, or approving applications for new, enlarged, or expanded data centers.

  • The pause could be prolonged by extensions of no more than 180 days each, subject to continuing need and reasonable progress.

  • The revised draft removes references to square footage and electrical capacity. Earlier draft thresholds are not verified final limits.

Benefits & exceptionsHide benefits & exceptions4

  • Applications filed before Nov. 3, 2026, are outside the moratorium, which applies only to applications filed on or after that date. Application date limit.

  • Equipment incidental to another business is exempt from the moratorium. Incidental equipment exemption.

  • Routine maintenance or equipment replacement is exempt if it does not expand an existing data center. Maintenance and replacement exemption.

  • Government information-technology infrastructure used for governmental purposes is exempt. Government infrastructure exemption.

Sources

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