Council enacts one-year moratorium on data centers to allow zoning rules

Westerly’s Town Council voted to adopt a one-year moratorium on new data center approvals, saying the pause will give planners time to write zoning rules that set where such facilities may locate and what protections they must meet. The council adopted the ordinance after a public hearing and a period of discussion among councilors.

Steve Moffat, a former municipal official who said he is running for state representative, urged the council to act. “I respectfully ask the council to approve the moratorium and use the coming year to develop thoughtful and forceful regulations that protect Westerly’s residents’ natural resources and long term interest,” he said. Town staff explained data centers can have heavy electrical and water demands and that other communities nationwide are reviewing local rules for these facilities.

Advocates on the council said a moratorium will allow the planning board to draft criteria for permitted locations and environmental safeguards without the town becoming bound by an application that arrives before rules exist. The manager told the council the moratorium is meant to preserve the town’s ability to shape where data centers could be allowed once a permanent ordinance is in place.

The council approved the moratorium after discussion and a vote; the ordinance passed with the roll call recorded during the meeting. The moratorium will remain in place for one year while staff and the planning board develop detailed zoning language and report back to the council.