Maine lawmakers approved a bill on April 16 imposing a moratorium on new data centers needing over 20 megawatts until October 2027, to evaluate grid, utility, and environmental impacts. The measure now awaits Gov. Janet Mills' signature amid ongoing national pushback against AI infrastructure expansion.
This development follows earlier warnings of delays in US data center projects due to tariffs, equipment shortages, and community opposition, as covered in prior reports on challenges to rapid AI buildout under the Trump administration. The bill addresses surging power demands from AI facilities, echoing concerns in states like Indiana, Michigan, and cities such as Denver and Dallas considering similar pauses. Maine, with some of the highest US electricity rates, could set a precedent; at least 10 states are watching closely. Gov. Mills has 10 days to act, with her office declining comment. The move aligns with bipartisan calls for oversight, including from Sens. Warren, Sanders, Hawley, and Rep. Ocasio-Cortez.
