Maine lawmakers passed LD 307, an 18-month moratorium on data center development for facilities drawing 20 megawatts or more—enough to power roughly 16,000 homes—making it the first statewide ban of its kind in the US. The bill creates a Data Center Coordination Council to study grid, environmental, and water impacts before permits resume, and heads to Gov. Janet Mills for signature after lawmakers rejected her proposed exemption for a small facility in Jay. At least 11 other states are weighing similar legislation, with Bangor's city council having independently passed a six-month local ban. Critics argue the pause cedes AI infrastructure buildout to other states; supporters call it a necessary regulatory foundation.