Maine is the first to pass a statewide ban on large data centers
The tide is turning against big AI data centers.
In addition to many cities and towns that have passed outright bans on data centers, lawmakers in at least 11 states have introduced legislation to pause their construction, citing the need to carefully study power and water usage of the facilities.
But Maine just became the first state to successfully pass a ban on large data centers. If Maine Governor Janet Mills signs the bill into law, new data centers that draw more than 20 gigawatts of power would be banned until late 2027, and the state would set up a mechanism to study the impact of data center energy usage.
Last month, a federal bill was introduced to block new data centers until AI regulation has been passed. The issue has been getting more attention in this election year, as voters in data center hubs like Virginia have soured on the facilities.
Look at the crumbling support among Virginians (America's first data center hot spot) for data centers:
But Maine just became the first state to successfully pass a ban on large data centers. If Maine Governor Janet Mills signs the bill into law, new data centers that draw more than 20 gigawatts of power would be banned until late 2027, and the state would set up a mechanism to study the impact of data center energy usage.
Last month, a federal bill was introduced to block new data centers until AI regulation has been passed. The issue has been getting more attention in this election year, as voters in data center hubs like Virginia have soured on the facilities.
Look at the crumbling support among Virginians (America's first data center hot spot) for data centers:
