Maine to become first US state to bar major data centres
Source: The Star
Published on: 2026-04-15 06:40
NEW YORK: Legislators in Maine on Tuesday endorsed a moratorium on building large data centres, becoming the first US state to try and rein in rampant construction driven by the AI race. The bill was passed by the state house and senate and is on its way to the desk of Democratic Governor Janet Mills, according to its sponsor, Representative Melanie Sachs. It will become law if not vetoed by Mills. "This bill positions Maine to respond deliberately and responsibly to a rapidly evolving industry," said Sachs. "People and communities across the state have been asking the Legislature to take action and temporarily pause these projects, which could have significant impacts on ratepayers, our electric grid and our environment." A boom in generative artificial intelligence has sent data centre demand skyrocketing, with dozens of projects springing up across the United States. The buildou...
(Please login to view full article)Third-Party Content Disclaimer
Content displayed on this platform may include news articles, reports, and other materials aggregated from publicly available third-party sources through automated tools. Such content is not created, written, commissioned, or edited by Straits Interactive Pte Ltd or the Data Protection Excellence (DPEX) Network.
While we take reasonable steps to ensure responsible publication, we do not independently verify all third-party information and make no representations as to its accuracy, completeness, or reliability.
The views, findings, and statements expressed in third-party content belong solely to the original source and do not reflect the views of Straits Interactive Pte Ltd or the DPEX Network.
If you believe any content is inaccurate, infringing, or should be removed, please contact us at legal@straitsinteractive.com. We will review the matter and, where appropriate, take action in accordance with our internal policies.
Unlock these benefits
Get access to news, enforcement cases, events, and actionable tips and guides
Get regular email updates and offers
Job opportunities, mentorship and career guidance
Exclusive access to Data Protection community - ask questions, network and share knowledge with peers and experts via WhatsApp and Linkedin
DPEX Network is a Community Initiative of Straits Interactive.
Copyright © Straits Interactive Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
All intellectual property rights to logos and brands featured on this website remain the property of their respective owners.