Maine lawmakers have approved legislation to impose what would be the first statewide moratorium on large data centers in the United States, reflecting growing resistance to the rapid expansion of energy-intensive technology infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

The bill, passed by the Democrat-controlled legislature, now heads to Gov. Janet Mills, who has not yet indicated whether she will sign it into law. If enacted, the measure would place a pause of more than a year on the development of large-scale data centers while establishing a state-level council to review and guide future proposals.

The legislation gained traction despite Maine not being a primary hub for data center development. A small number of proposed projects sparked strong community opposition, with residents raising concerns about electricity consumption, water usage, and the potential for higher utility costs or strain on local infrastructure.

Supporters of the moratorium argue that the pause is necessary to evaluate the long-term impact of such facilities. State Rep. Melanie Sachs, who sponsored the bill, said lawmakers have not yet seen sufficient evidence that large data centers would deliver meaningful economic benefits to local communities relative to their resource demands.

Industry groups and developers have pushed back, warning that the move could discourage future investment and limit job creation. The Data Center Coalition argued that a statewide ban signals regulatory uncertainty and could deter companies from considering Maine for future projects.

The debate in Maine reflects a broader national trend, as local and state governments weigh economic development opportunities against infrastructure concerns. While federal and state leaders in some regions have supported data center expansion as critical to competing in the global technology sector, particularly against China, opposition has been building at the community level.

Similar proposals to restrict or pause data center development have emerged in multiple states, though Maine’s measure is the first to clear a legislative chamber. Other states have explored alternative approaches, including stricter regulations on energy consumption, water use, and transparency requirements.

As demand for artificial intelligence and cloud services continues to grow, the outcome in Maine could influence how other states approach the balance between technological expansion and local resource management.