New Civil War just dropped...at the Supreme Court | Will Bunch Newsletter

This article, part of Will Bunch's Inquirer.com newsletter, highlights a growing political conflict over data center development, particularly concerning a proposed moratorium in Maine. The Maine legislature recently passed a bill imposing an 18-month statewide moratorium on new data centers, sending it to Democratic Governor Janet Mills. Governor Mills, who is also running for a U.S. Senate seat, has expressed indecision on signing the measure, citing concerns it could halt a data center project in a struggling former mill town. This legislative action occurs amidst a broader discussion about "Big Tech's" significant financial influence on the Democratic Party, with reports indicating party leaders advise candidates against supporting AI or data center regulations to avoid losing campaign funding. The article contrasts this party stance with rising grassroots opposition in communities across America against the noise, increased electricity costs, and other issues associated with data centers. Progressive figures within the Democratic Party, such as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are actively advocating for a national data center moratorium, aligning with public sentiment rather than corporate lobbying. The piece questions whether Democratic elites will prioritize big-money donors over the will of the people in this evolving political landscape, framing the debate around the substantial electricity and water consumption of AI-driven data centers.