Maine Lawmakers Pass the First Statewide Ban on Large Data Centers

Maine lawmakers have passed a bill establishing the nation's first statewide ban on large data centers, approving an 18-month moratorium on new facilities consuming over 20 megawatts of power. The legislative action, which aims to provide time to study the impact of these power-hungry operations on the electrical grid, now proceeds to Gov. Janet Mills for her signature or veto. State Rep. Melanie Sachs, the bill's sponsor, highlighted the measure as a "thoughtful, proactive step" to ensure regulatory frameworks are in place. Gov. Mills had advocated for an amendment to allow for a smaller data center in the town of Jay, citing job creation needs, but state lawmakers ultimately rejected this and other proposed exceptions. In related local action, the Bangor City Council has also implemented its own six-month ban on data centers. This statewide initiative in Maine, along with actions in other cities like Port Washington, Wisconsin, and ongoing national debates, reflects growing concerns over data center energy demands and their broader impacts.