Lawmakers in Maine have approved a bill temporarily banning the construction of large data centers until November 2027 in a move that could make Maine the first U.S. state to legislate a pause in the AI centers expansion, which has weighed on consumer energy bills.
The Maine Legislature passed the bill, which still needs Governor Janet Mills’ final approval. The bill would block large data centers that draw over 20 megawatts of power until November 2027.
The bill, LD 307, would also create a new Data Center Coordination Council, which is expected to study the potential impacts of data centers in Maine while there is a temporary ban on the construction of new data centers.
Governor Mills has signaled support for the pause but has insisted on a carve-out for a planned data center in Jay.
It is not clear whether Governor Mills would support the legislation without an exception for the Jay data center, Portland Press Herald reports.
If it is signed into law, the measure would be the first state-wide temporary ban on new large data center construction in the United States.
Local community opposition to data centers has grown in recent months as residents are concerned that their energy costs would rise and water supply and environment would be put at risk.
Some cities have already enacted short- or medium-term moratoriums on new data center construction. The first to do so was St. Charles in Missouri, which last August enacted a one-year pause on data center projects.
Commenting on the Maine state-wide ban on data centers until late 2027, Nathan Leamer, a DC-based campaigner for Build American AI, told the Financial Times that Maine is thus “kneecapping” its own economy.
Environmental campaigners at Food & Water Watch praised the Maine moratorium.
“These massive facilities suck up unimaginable amounts of water and electricity, and wreak havoc on the everyday Americans in nearby communities that are forced to foot the bills for this irresponsible, profit-hungry industry,” said Mitch Jones, Managing Director of Policy and Litigation.
According to Data Center Watch, $64 billion of data center projects have been blocked or delayed amid local opposition.
By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com
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