Maine lawmakers want to pause data-centre projects

Maine lawmakers have advanced legislation to impose a temporary moratorium on new data center developments exceeding 20 megawatts, effective until November 2027. Both the state House and Senate approved the bill, which aims to pause construction until a comprehensive regulatory framework can be established to address the rapid proliferation of such facilities. State Representative Melanie Sachs, the Democratic sponsor and House chair of the energy, utilities and technology committee, emphasized the necessity of preventing unchecked growth, stating, "We’ve seen what happens when proliferation outstrips policy, and that is not what we want for Maine." The proposed legislation includes the creation of a Data Centre Co-ordination Council, which would comprise representatives from state agencies, utilities, environmental groups, municipalities, and labour organizations. This council would be tasked with researching the impacts of data centers and developing a regulatory playbook by February 2027. Key concerns driving the bill revolve around the environmental footprint of data centers, including significant water and energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and issues like light and noise pollution, which Rep. Sachs noted are not adequately covered by current environmental permitting. Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, now faces a Saturday deadline to either sign the bill into law or veto it. If approved, the moratorium would remain in effect until November 1, 2027.