Maine lawmakers passed legislation Tuesday that will temporarily ban new large data center projects. The measure, expiring after 1.5 years, targets facilities consuming over 20 megawatts of power.

The Maine House approved the bill 79-62, while the state Senate passed it 21-13. Democratic Governor Janet Mills remains to sign the legislation into law.

During negotiations, Governor Mills reportedly sought an exemption for existing planned data center sites. However, lawmakers rejected an amendment that would have granted such an exception.

Under the temporary ban, a state-appointed council will analyze the impact of large data centers on local power grids, electricity costs, and water usage. The council—comprising government officials, experts, and stakeholders—will develop recommendations to shape future state policies. The bill allocates $95,000 to support its operations.

The new Maine ban reflects a broader trend as state legislatures increasingly consider restrictions on data centers amid growing public and expert concerns about their economic and environmental effects. At least 12 states led by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers are now evaluating similar temporary bans.

Additionally, Port Washington, Wisconsin became the nation’s first city to approve a referendum requiring large data center projects to obtain taxpayer approval before construction begins.

Following strong backlash against Big Tech firms’ data center proposals, the Trump administration last month secured a voluntary pledge from those companies at the White House to cover new electricity costs for their operations.

Congressional action on the issue has also intensified, with Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introducing legislation to halt all data center construction until AI safety laws are enacted. Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri and Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal have separately proposed bills aimed at protecting ratepayers from energy bill spikes tied to data centers.