The Maine State Legislature has passed a measure to temporarily prohibit new data centers.

The bill would block data centers with heavy electrical use statewide until late next year while a special committee studied their impact and made recommendations.

The measure now goes to Governor Janet Mills with an uncertain future, as Mills has said it needs to include an exemption for a planned data center in the town of Jay.

It would be the first statewide ban on data centers in the country if it becomes law.
The bill was passed by lawmakers on Tuesday, one day before the legislature adjourns for the year.

It first passed the House by a 79-62 vote before being approved in the Senate by a 21-13 vote.

Notably, individual municipalities have passed their own bans. The Bangor City Council, for example, passed a fast-tracked freeze on data centers on Monday that bans any developments for six months.

Data centers have ramped up across the U.S. in recent years, specifically to serve the quickly rising needs of artificial intelligence.

Supporters of the statewide ban in Maine say data centers could suck up large quantities of electricity, stressing supply and driving up costs for residents. They also contend that data centers use massive quantities of water to cool equipment.

Opponents of the ban say data centers could create jobs and revenue at the local level, and contend the temporary ban will drive developers out of the state, where a boom is already taking place.