All-American first case》Maine Proposes Banning Large Data Centers, as AI Uses Too Much Electricity and Public Outrage Is Boiling Over

The Maine State Legislature in the United States is advancing the LD 307 bill, which would pause the issuance of permits for large data centers of more than 20 MW, making it the first state in the U.S. to implement this kind of ban. Behind it is the reality that the AI boom is driving up electricity prices and triggering mounting public frustration.
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The Maine House of Representatives passed the LD 307 bill by 82 votes to 62, banning the construction of any new large data centers that would require electricity usage of more than 20 MW. The ban is set to remain in effect until November 2027.

The bill was proposed by Representative Melanie Sachs (Democrat), and Governor Janet Mills has also indicated her support for pausing new projects. The state Senate is expected to follow suit and pass it.

Electricity bills have risen by nearly 60%, residents have had enough

Maine is already one of the states with the highest residential electricity bills in the U.S., with electricity costs jumping by nearly 60% between 2021 and 2026.

As the demand for AI infrastructure surges, the electricity consumed by data centers now accounts for about 4% of total U.S. electricity use, and is projected to climb as high as 12% by 2028. Residents in both Wiscasset and Lewiston have already successfully opposed local data center construction projects, with reasons ranging from concerns about water use to safety hazards. Projects currently stalled include three planned sites: the Jay old paper mill site, as well as Sanford and the Loring Air Force Base.

The trend is taking shape nationwide

After the bill passes, Maine will establish a “Data Center Coordination Committee,” holding at least 5 meetings and submitting a policy report by February 2027.

Notably, this local backlash already shows signs of spreading: multiple counties in Michigan and Indiana have implemented their own pause orders, and cities such as Denver and Detroit are also studying similar restrictions. In addition, more than 11 states have introduced related bills, including Vermont, which plans to extend its ban through July 2030.

At the federal level, Senators Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have also teamed up to introduce the “AI Data Center Pause Act.” It may potentially affect the future supply of large-scale computing power infrastructure from major AI companies.