Artificial Intelligence: US State Votes Moratorium on Giant Data Centers, a First in the United States

The text voted by local officials targets data centers of over 20 megawatts that Silicon Valley giants are multiplying to meet the increasing needs associated with these technologies.

It is a first in the United States: the state of Maine voted on Tuesday, April 14, for a law to pause the construction of large data centers, with a capacity of over 20 megawatts. Until the fall of 2027, local authorities will not be able to issue permits for projects of this magnitude. With this moratorium on infrastructure related to artificial intelligence, this Northeastern state aims to curb the harmful effects that accompany the frenzy in which Silicon Valley giants are engaging: skyrocketing electricity prices, water restrictions, environmental concerns…

To come into effect, the text adopted by the local parliament still needs to be promulgated by Democratic Governor Janet Mills, who has ten days to sign the promulgation, veto it, or let the text come into effect without her signature. Favorable to the moratorium principle, she had requested an exemption for a project to convert an old paper mill, corresponding to an investment of about $550 million. However, the officials did not follow her on this point.

Context:

– The state of Maine has implemented a moratorium on the construction of large data centers to address the negative impacts associated with rapid infrastructure growth in the technology sector.

Fact Check:

– The state of Maine’s electricity prices have seen significant increases in recent years, prompting concerns about the environmental and economic impact of data center construction.