- Maine lawmakers pass temporary ban on large data centers CBS News —
- Maine lawmakers pass temporary ban on large data centers CBS News —
- The data center boom meets resistance in Maine as lawmakers pass a yearlong freeze The Independent —
- Maine passes ban on new data centers for 1.5 years, adds study options UPI —
- Maine lawmakers pass nation’s first statewide ban on large data centers Boston Globe —
- Backlash to data centers drives Maine toward a statewide pause AP News —
- Maine passes first-in-nation freeze on big data centers The Hill —
- The data center boom meets resistance in Maine as lawmakers pass a yearlong moratorium ABC News —
Maine bans new data centers
The legislation comes amid growing public resistance to the massive energy and water needs of artificial intelligence data centers.
Lawmakers argued that the freeze is necessary to study the potential impact of these facilities on the state's electrical grid and utility rates for residents.
While the tech sector has expressed concern over the move, local advocates have used AI-generated tools to organize protests against the industrial expansion.
The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Janet Mills, who has previously voiced concerns about the cost of living in the state.
Maine
State of the United States of America
State of the United States of America
Janet T. Mills
American politician and 75th governor of Maine (born 1947)
American politician and 75th governor of Maine (born 1947)