Maine Advances AI Data Center Moratorium Legislation
Maine's House approved LD 307, imposing a moratorium on AI data centers over 20 MW until November 2027. This legislative move responds to growing concerns over the impact of large data centers on electricity rates and community resources, with potential implications for similar actions in other states.
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The Maine House voted 82-62 on April 7 to advance LD 307, which would establish a moratorium on AI data centers with loads exceeding 20 MW until November 1, 2027. This bill also proposes the creation of the Maine Data Center Coordination Council to assess the impact of large-scale facilities, with a report due by February 2027.
Maine is one of several states considering such legislation; at least 11 others are exploring similar restrictions. Governor Janet Mills vetoed a separate bill on April 24, which would have imposed a ban effective immediately.
The veto was influenced by local support for a $550 million data center redevelopment project in Jay, expected to generate over 800 construction jobs. A statewide moratorium could lead to project delays and redirect investments to states with more favorable regulations. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation has raised concerns about grid reliability, attributing risks to the rapid growth of data centers.
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