Maine's legislature passed a first-in-the-nation statewide ban on new data centers drawing more than 20 megawatts of power — enough to power roughly 15,000 homes — effective until fall 2027. The bill establishes a study mechanism to evaluate data center impacts on the electrical grid. State Rep. Melanie Sachs (D), who chairs the energy committee and sponsored the bill, said the moratorium is about ensuring the state can make data center development "beneficial" rather than blocking it outright. Patrick Woodcock, CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, has asked Gov. Mills to veto the legislation, arguing that existing review processes already protect ratepayers and the environment, and that rural Maine "is desperately seeking investment."
Local resistance stymied proposed data centers representing $152 billion in potential investment nationwide last year, according to Data Center Watch. The Bangor City Council also passed its own six-month ban the day before, citing the need to update regulations.