It is a first in the United States. The state of Maine has made a significant move by adopting a moratorium on the construction of large data centers, amid growing concerns over electricity consumption and the environmental impact of AI-related infrastructure. The bill, approved by both local chambers, still needs to be signed into law by Democratic Governor Janet Mills.
The measure includes a suspension, until the fall of 2027, on issuing permits for any data center project exceeding 20 megawatts of electrical capacity. This threshold directly targets large-scale installations deployed by tech groups to support the rapid development of AI. Concurrently, the law establishes a council to assess the impact of these infrastructures on the power grid, the environment, and individual bills.
Expenses multiplied tenfold in two years
This decision comes as investments in data centers soar in the United States. According to ConstructConnect, construction expenses have increased more than tenfold in two years, with projections for 2025 exceeding $60 billion, compared to less than $7 billion in 2023.
The Maine territory is among those where residential tariffs have seen the most significant increase in recent years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA). By the end of 2025, two data center projects were already rejected in the state, with officials accusing developers of underestimating their water and electricity consumption.
Eleven states are considering similar proposals
While Janet Mills expressed support for the moratorium principle, she requested an exemption for a project to convert an old paper mill, representing around $550 million in investment. However, this request was ultimately denied by lawmakers.
Apart from Maine, this vote sends a political signal at the national level. Eleven other states are currently considering similar proposals, demonstrating a growing resistance to infrastructure projects led by major tech companies. The governor now has ten days to enact the law, veto it, or let it go into effect without a signature.
