Maine Passes Moratorium on New Large Data Centers

Maine's state legislature passed a bill on Tuesday imposing a temporary statewide moratorium on new large data centers, marking the first such measure in the United States as concerns mount over the facilities' heavy electricity demands. The legislation, which targets centers requiring more than 20 megawatts of power, halts permitting and approvals until November 2027 while establishing a council to assess their effects on the electrical grid, energy costs, and the environment. The bill now awaits action from Governor Janet Mills, who has expressed reservations about its scope.

The House approved the measure 79-62, followed by a 21-13 Senate vote later that day, largely along party lines with limited crossovers. If signed into law, the ban would prevent state, local, and quasi-governmental entities from issuing permits for qualifying projects during the moratorium period. Proponents, including the bill's sponsor, state Representative Melanie Sachs, described it as a proactive step to ensure proper regulation. "This is a thoughtful, pragmatic pause that would allow Maine to more effectively regulate and plan new data center development without raising utility costs for...