The Entire State of Maine Is Poised to Ban New Data Centers

Maine has advanced a bill that would pause new data centers using at least 20 megawatts until November 2027 or later.

The measure has already passed the state House and is expected to clear the Senate, making Maine the first state to effectively block new large data centers.

Lawmakers want time to assess environmental impacts and pressure on the power grid as AI infrastructure expands.

The debate reflects rising concern over electricity costs, grid stability, and the political backlash to data center growth.