Augusta, Maine — Maine lawmakers approved a first-in-the-nation temporary ban on large data center construction Tuesday, signaling growing concern over the economic and environmental impact of such facilities.
The measure imposes a 1.5-year moratorium on new data centers using more than 20 megawatts of power. The bill now heads to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, who had previously sought an exception for a proposed project at a former paper mill site, a request lawmakers rejected.
During the pause, a state coordinating council composed of officials, experts, and stakeholders will develop recommendations for future policies governing large-scale data centers. The legislation allocates $95,000 to support the group’s work.
The move comes as multiple states consider similar restrictions, reflecting rising scrutiny of data centers’ energy demands and potential effects on local infrastructure and utility costs. Lawmakers in at least a dozen states are weighing comparable measures.
The issue has also entered broader political debates, including midterm election discussions, where candidates are addressing concerns about energy usage, economic development, and cost-of-living impacts tied to large projects.
Local governments are also taking action. Earlier this month, Port Washington, Wisconsin, approved a referendum requiring voter approval for major data center developments.
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