<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0MYDPH_1H4LevIu00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0MYDPH_1H4LevIu00" width="800" height="450" >SCARBOROUGH (WGME) -- Multiple Maine state lawmakers are preparing to press for statewide data center restrictions next legislative session.State Sen. Nicole Grohoski and State Sen.-elect Sophie Warren of Scarborough plan to introduce new data center regulations as soon as the legislature convenes. “I think we’ve got to keep in mind that Mainers come first when it comes to any type of new technology or new investment,” Warren said.Warren says communities want stronger statewide rules in place before major projects move forward.“We need it because we’ve heard robustly from communities across the state of Maine that until we have strong state regulations that protect our electric bills, that protect our land, our water, our resources, we need to have a security and understanding that we are not going to get ahead of ourselves,” Warren said.Grohoski has resubmitted a bill that would place a temporary statewide moratorium on data centers using more than 20 megawatts of electricity. With a two-thirds vote in both chambers, the moratorium would take effect immediately and run through November 2027.“Constituents have been clear about their concerns about the impact of large data center development in our state,” Grohoski said. “State government has a responsibility to put clear and responsible regulations in place, and this moratorium will give our communities the breathing room they need while we do that work. With a new governor and a new legislature, I am confident that we can pass a moratorium with united, bipartisan support and then get to work on regulations to protect Mainers from electricity rate increases and environmental damage.”Warren says the proposals are not meant as an outright rejection of data centers.“We’re not saying no, full stop, to data centers. What we’re saying is we need protection for all Maine people, all Maine resources, the future of our state and our communities if we are going to have them here,” Warren said.Warren also submitted legislation to adopt key recommendations from the Maine Data Center Advisory Council, a group formed by Gov. Janet Mills to evaluate large-scale projects.Gov.-elect Hannah Pingree says she supports a moratorium until protections are in place.“We have talked about implementing a moratorium until we have rules in place to protect ratepayers, to protect the environment and ensure community benefits. And that will continue to be my position,” Pingree said. “The development of data centers in Maine without very strong regulations in place is not something that people are interested in."Last session, Mills vetoed a similar measure. </div></body>

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SCARBOROUGH (WGME) -- Multiple Maine state lawmakers are preparing to press for statewide data center restrictions next legislative session. State Sen. Nicole Grohoski and State Sen.-elect Sophie Warren of Scarborough plan to introduce new data center regulations as soon as the legislature convenes. “I think we’ve got to keep in...

Maine lawmakers push statewide data center regulations

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SCARBOROUGH (WGME) -- Multiple Maine state lawmakers are preparing to press for statewide data center restrictions next legislative session. State Sen. Nic

Maine lawmakers push statewide data center regulations

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