Maine lawmakers pass nation's first moratorium on data centers

The Maine Legislature has passed the nation's first statewide moratorium on data centers, a measure now awaiting Governor Janet Mills' signature. The legislation, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Melanie Sachs, aims to institute a pause of over a year on data centers exceeding a certain size and create a special council to help local towns review potential projects. This action follows intense community backlash against previous data center proposals in Maine, fueled by fears of blackouts, rising electricity bills, and significant water consumption. The bill's passage signals increasing local opposition to data centers, which is beginning to influence state-level policy, contrasting with the high-level support many governors and the federal government have shown for data centers as economic drivers and essential for AI development. While Maine is not a primary destination for hyperscale data centers, industry groups like the Data Center Coalition warn that the moratorium could deter future investment and deprive the state of long-term economic benefits and skilled labor development. Similar moratorium proposals have been introduced in at least a dozen other states, though none have advanced as far as Maine's. The article also highlights efforts in other regions, such as voters in Festus, Missouri, replacing city council members due to data center opposition, and residents in Ohio attempting to get a permanent ban on hyperscale data centers on the November ballot. In South Dakota, a one-year moratorium bill failed in a state Senate committee amid opposition from power plant owners and developers, despite public calls for such a measure.