Maine may become first US state to pause new data centres

Maine lawmakers have passed ​a bill that could make it the first US state to put a moratorium on new data centers as opposition to the electricity-hungry facilities grows across the country over their impact on household energy bills and the environment.

The ‌bill, which ⁠still ⁠needs final approval from Democratic Governor Janet Mills, would freeze approvals for data centres requiring ​more than 20 megawatts of power until October 2027, while a state-appointed council analyzes ​their impact on the local grid, electricity bills, air and water.