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.