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Coverage dated April 13, 2026 to April 15, 2026

Maine Could Be the First State to Pass a Temporary Ban on New Large Data Centers

Headline from CNET, on the newest of 2 developments

Although the bill has been passed by lawmakers, it still needs final approval from Maine Governor Janet Mills.

CNET's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Earlier updates in this story

Developments in this update

2 dated developments, oldest first, newest marked. Each is named by one outlet's own headline; open its reports to see every outlet that covered it.

  1. Maine Legislature passes first in the nation ban on data centers

    Headline from Bangor Daily News ·

  2. Newest

    Maine Could Be the First State to Pass a Temporary Ban on New Large Data Centers

    Headline from CNET ·

Read the reports

Reports & sources

15 articles, oldest first.

  1. Portland Press Herald

    Maine lawmakers approve first-in-nation temporary ban on data centers (opens Portland Press Herald)

    Published

    Portland Press Herald's feed description

    The bill now heads to Gov. Janet Mills, who expressed concerns over its sweep.

  2. Gizmodo

    First Statewide Data Center Ban Passed by Maine Legislature (opens Gizmodo)

    Published

    Gizmodo's feed description

    If Governor Janet Mills signs it, it will block construction of new data centers over 20 MW.

  3. The Boston Globe

    Maine lawmakers pass nation’s first statewide ban on large data centers (opens The Boston Globe)

    Published

    The Boston Globe's feed description

    The measure would block the creation of new data centers that draw more than 20 megawatts of power until the fall of 2027 and establish a mechanism to study their impact on the electrical grid.

  4. Washington Examiner

    Maine lawmakers pass first-in-nation statewide ban on data centers (opens Washington Examiner)

    Published

    Washington Examiner's feed description

    If Gov. Janet Mills (D-ME) signs the moratorium into law, Maine will become the first state to ban data center construction.

  5. Anchorage Daily News

    Maine lawmakers pass the nation’s first statewide ban on large data centers (opens Anchorage Daily News)

    Published

    Anchorage Daily News's feed description

    The bill would block new data centers that draw more than 20 megawatts of power until the fall of 2027. It also calls for study of their impact on the electrical grid.

  6. MyNorthwest

    The data center boom meets resistance in Maine as lawmakers pass a yearlong moratorium (opens MyNorthwest)

    Published

    MyNorthwest's feed description

    PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine is set to impose the nation’s first statewide moratorium on energy-hungry data centers in a sign of growing political opposition

  7. Seattle Times

    The data center boom meets resistance in Maine as lawmakers pass a yearlong freeze (opens Seattle Times)

    Published

    Seattle Times's feed description

    Maine’s legislature has passed the nation’s first statewide moratorium on energy-hungry data centers.

  8. CT Mirror

    Maine lawmakers pass 1-year freeze on data center development (opens CT Mirror)

    Published

    CT Mirror's feed description

    Maine is set to impose nation’s first statewide moratorium on energy-hungry data centers amid concerns over electricity costs, water use.

  9. Oil Price

    Maine Moves to Become First U.S. State to Ban New Data Centers (opens Oil Price)

    Published

    Oil Price's feed description

    Maine lawmakers have approved a bill that would temporarily ban large data center construction until November 2027, potentially making it the first U.S. state to do so.

  10. Governing

    A First-of-Its-Kind State Ban Targets Energy-Hungry Data Centers (opens Governing)

    Published

    Governing's feed description

    Maine’s proposed moratorium would pause projects over 20 megawatts while officials study impacts on the grid and communities.

  11. Bangor Daily News

    Maine Legislature passes first in the nation ban on data centers (opens Bangor Daily News)

    Published

    Bangor Daily News's feed description

    Gov. Janet Mills has said the measure needs to have an exemption for a proposed $550 million project at the former Androscoggin paper mill in Jay to get her support.

  12. Deutsche Welle

    US: Maine pushes for statewide pause on AI data centers (opens Deutsche Welle)

    Published

  13. Fox News

    First-ever moratorium on AI data centers passes Maine legislature (opens Fox News)

    Published

    Fox News's feed description

    Maine is poised to become the first state to pause approvals for energy-hungry AI data centers, as lawmakers cite fears of higher power bills and strained grids.

  14. Hot Air

    Maine Legislature Passes Moratorium on Data Centers (opens Hot Air)

    Published

    Hot Air's feed description

    Maine enacts a temporary moratorium on data centers to evaluate infrastructure and environmental impacts.

  15. CNET

    Maine Could Be the First State to Pass a Temporary Ban on New Large Data Centers (opens CNET)

    Published

    CNET's feed description

    Although the bill has been passed by lawmakers, it still needs final approval from Maine Governor Janet Mills.

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