Maine, USA, proposes to implement a ban on data center construction, sparking industry controversy

ME News Report, April 9 (UTC+8), Maine is advancing a milestone legislation that could become the first state in the U.S. to suspend data center construction. The local legislative body has passed a bill proposing to ban new data centers in the state until November 2027, while establishing a dedicated committee to study regulatory frameworks to prevent electricity price hikes and other potential impacts. The bill has bipartisan support but faces strong opposition from the tech industry and businesses. Industry insiders warn that even a short-term pause could cause Maine to fall behind in the global data center competition. As the AI industry rapidly develops, data center construction is surging across the U.S., making this issue a political focal point. However, the bill still requires final approval or veto from Governor Janet Mills, whose decision is also influenced by her Senate campaign prospects, leaving policy outcomes uncertain. Supporters argue that Maine already faces high electricity prices, and a pause would buy time to improve energy supply and prevent further burdens on residents; opponents say that bringing more corporate electricity demand helps share costs, and that existing approval processes are sufficient to regulate project risks. Currently, tech giants like Meta, Google, and Microsoft continue expanding their data center footprints in other states. (Source: ODAILY)