First-ever moratorium on AI data centers passes Maine legislature

Maine is poised to become the first U.S. state to impose a moratorium on large AI data centers, requiring a pause on approvals for facilities over 20 megawatts until 2027 to study their energy and environmental impacts. The bill, passed by a Democratic-controlled legislature, faces opposition over potential economic trade-offs but aims to address concerns about grid strain, rising energy bills, and water usage.