#datacentermoratoriums — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #datacentermoratoriums, aggregated by home.social.
-
Associated Press: New York to impose the country’s first statewide moratorium on data centers. “New York will block the construction of any new large data centers for up to a year so the state can create rules to protect the environment and energy grid from the power-hungry facilities that fuel artificial intelligence technology.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/07/14/associated-press-new-york-to-impose-the-countrys-first-statewide-moratorium-on-data-centers/ -
Associated Press: New York to impose the country’s first statewide moratorium on data centers. “New York will block the construction of any new large data centers for up to a year so the state can create rules to protect the environment and energy grid from the power-hungry facilities that fuel artificial intelligence technology.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/07/14/associated-press-new-york-to-impose-the-countrys-first-statewide-moratorium-on-data-centers/ -
Jersey Vindicator: U.S. Rep Frank Pallone backs national moratorium on AI data centers. “U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. called Wednesday for a nationwide moratorium on new data centers, arguing that their rapid growth is driving up electricity demand, straining the power grid, and increasing costs for consumers.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/06/25/jersey-vindicator-u-s-rep-frank-pallone-backs-national-moratorium-on-ai-data-centers/ -
Jersey Vindicator: U.S. Rep Frank Pallone backs national moratorium on AI data centers. “U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. called Wednesday for a nationwide moratorium on new data centers, arguing that their rapid growth is driving up electricity demand, straining the power grid, and increasing costs for consumers.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/06/25/jersey-vindicator-u-s-rep-frank-pallone-backs-national-moratorium-on-ai-data-centers/ -
Yes! More of this, please!
#JayME #DataCenter project put on hold after developer backs out
by Russ Reed, 6/12/2026
Excerpt: "The owners of a former paper mill in Jay have put plans to build a data center at the site on hold because the developer has backed out of the project, according to officials in the #Maine town.
"JGT2, owners of the Riley Road property that was once home to the Androscoggin Mill, told Jay officials that the developer, Sentinel, intended not to move forward at this point, according to a post on the Town of Jay Facebook page.
[...]
"The news comes more than two months after Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would have put a temporary moratorium on data centers in Maine, a moratorium that would have been the first of its kind in the United States. The Maine Legislature passed the bill, #LD307, which would have required the state's Department of Energy Resources to create the Maine Data Center Coordination Council to ensure Maine is ready for data centers.
"State Rep. Melanie Sachs, the bill's sponsor, said the legislation was an attempt to make sure Maine is ready for data centers and focused on the infrastructure needed for these types of facilities. When the bill was passed, a spokesperson for Mills said the governor agreed with lawmakers that the rapid growth of large-scale AI data centers warrants careful evaluation of impacts on public resources, the environment and Maine ratepayers. But Mills also supported an exemption to the law for the proposed data center at the former Jay paper mill, which was not included in the bill passed by the Legislature."
#DatacentersSuck #DatacenterMoratoriums #MainePol #MaineResists #ResistBigData #USPol #WorldPol
-
Yes! More of this, please!
#JayME #DataCenter project put on hold after developer backs out
by Russ Reed, 6/12/2026
Excerpt: "The owners of a former paper mill in Jay have put plans to build a data center at the site on hold because the developer has backed out of the project, according to officials in the #Maine town.
"JGT2, owners of the Riley Road property that was once home to the Androscoggin Mill, told Jay officials that the developer, Sentinel, intended not to move forward at this point, according to a post on the Town of Jay Facebook page.
[...]
"The news comes more than two months after Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would have put a temporary moratorium on data centers in Maine, a moratorium that would have been the first of its kind in the United States. The Maine Legislature passed the bill, #LD307, which would have required the state's Department of Energy Resources to create the Maine Data Center Coordination Council to ensure Maine is ready for data centers.
"State Rep. Melanie Sachs, the bill's sponsor, said the legislation was an attempt to make sure Maine is ready for data centers and focused on the infrastructure needed for these types of facilities. When the bill was passed, a spokesperson for Mills said the governor agreed with lawmakers that the rapid growth of large-scale AI data centers warrants careful evaluation of impacts on public resources, the environment and Maine ratepayers. But Mills also supported an exemption to the law for the proposed data center at the former Jay paper mill, which was not included in the bill passed by the Legislature."
#DatacentersSuck #DatacenterMoratoriums #MainePol #MaineResists #ResistBigData #USPol #WorldPol
-
Press Release: Rising #Emissions, Depleting #Water and Vanishing #Land—UN Scientists: #AI Is Threatening #NaturalResources for Billions
By 2030, AI's water use will match the needs of 1.3 billion people while its power use triples that of 650 million, UN University investigation warns
Date Published
3 Jun 2026Excerpt: "Inference, efficiency, and the rebound effect
"Public discussion has largely focused on the energy required to train massive models. Training GPT-3 was estimated to require 1.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, while estimates suggest GPT-4 consumed between 50 and 70 GWh. However, the report reveals this framing is outdated. Once a model is deployed, inference—the continuous running of models to answer everyday user prompts—becomes the dominant cost, accounting for 80 to 90 per cent of total #AI energy use. ChatGPT alone is estimated to process around 2.5 billion prompts per day, translating to roughly 383 GWh of electricity per year for a single product. Offsetting associated carbon emissions would require 2.6 million tree seedlings grown for 10 years, enough trees to cover a land area the size of Manhattan. The water footprint is equivalent to the minimum annual domestic water needs of roughly 500,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the land footprint is equal to over 800 football fields."
Read more:
https://unu.edu/inweh/news/environmental-cost-of-AIs-Enrgy-use-carbon-water-and-land-footprints#AIBoom #Electricity #Hyperscale #BigTech #BigData #CarbonFootprint #EnvironmentalRacism #EnvironmentalDegradation #NoisePollution #LightPollution #WaterIsLife #AIAgents #BotTraffic #GreenSpaces #Farmland #Prairies #Woodland #TechGiants #ProtectNature #NoDatacenters #EnergyConsumption #USPol #WorldPol #Datacentres
#DatacenterMoratoriums #ArtificialIntelligence -
Press Release: Rising #Emissions, Depleting #Water and Vanishing #Land—UN Scientists: #AI Is Threatening #NaturalResources for Billions
By 2030, AI's water use will match the needs of 1.3 billion people while its power use triples that of 650 million, UN University investigation warns
Date Published
3 Jun 2026Excerpt: "Inference, efficiency, and the rebound effect
"Public discussion has largely focused on the energy required to train massive models. Training GPT-3 was estimated to require 1.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, while estimates suggest GPT-4 consumed between 50 and 70 GWh. However, the report reveals this framing is outdated. Once a model is deployed, inference—the continuous running of models to answer everyday user prompts—becomes the dominant cost, accounting for 80 to 90 per cent of total #AI energy use. ChatGPT alone is estimated to process around 2.5 billion prompts per day, translating to roughly 383 GWh of electricity per year for a single product. Offsetting associated carbon emissions would require 2.6 million tree seedlings grown for 10 years, enough trees to cover a land area the size of Manhattan. The water footprint is equivalent to the minimum annual domestic water needs of roughly 500,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the land footprint is equal to over 800 football fields."
Read more:
https://unu.edu/inweh/news/environmental-cost-of-AIs-Enrgy-use-carbon-water-and-land-footprints#AIBoom #Electricity #Hyperscale #BigTech #BigData #CarbonFootprint #EnvironmentalRacism #EnvironmentalDegradation #NoisePollution #LightPollution #WaterIsLife #AIAgents #BotTraffic #GreenSpaces #Farmland #Prairies #Woodland #TechGiants #ProtectNature #NoDatacenters #EnergyConsumption #USPol #WorldPol #Datacentres
#DatacenterMoratoriums #ArtificialIntelligence -
The #EnvironmentalCost of #ArtificialIntelligence: #Carbon, #Water, and #LandFootprints
#AI’s rapid growth drives huge energy, water, and land use, raising environmental and equity challenges across its global infrastructure.
Date Published 3 Jun 2026
UNU-INWEH Report: Aczel, M., Chamanara, S., Matin, M., Farsi, A., Marwala, T., Madani, K. (2026).
"This report, Environmental Cost of Artificial Intelligence: Carbon, Water and Land Footprints, by the #UnitedNationsUniversity Institute for Water, Environment and Health (#UNU-#INWEH) on its 30th anniversary, examines one of the most underexplored consequences of AI’s rapid expansion: the environmental footprints of the energy required to power it. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in economies, public services, research, communication, and everyday life, it depends on a growing physical infrastructure of #datacenters, advanced #chips, #CoolingSystems, #ElectricityGrids, #WaterResources, land, and #CriticalMineral supply chains. The report shows that AI is not only a digital technology, but also a material system with measurable #EnvironmentalCosts.
"The report moves beyond a carbon-only lens by quantifying the carbon, water, and land footprints associated with the electricity used to train, deploy, and operate AI systems at scale. Its central finding is that AI’s environmental costs depend not only on how much electricity is used, but also on where that electricity is generated and which energy sources power it. Every kilowatt-hour used by AI carries carbon, water, and land implications, and these footprints do not always move in the same direction: low-carbon electricity is not automatically low-water or low-land. The report also shows that AI’s footprint is shaped by both major infrastructure trends, including the rapid growth of data centers, and everyday use patterns, including model choice, output length, modality, and the growing use of text, image, and video generation.
"Importantly, the report frames AI’s environmental footprint as a governance and justice challenge, not only a technical problem. The benefits of AI often flow across borders and sectors, while the environmental burdens of data center siting, electricity demand, water withdrawals, #LandUse, MineralExtraction, and #EWaste can be concentrated in specific communities and regions. To address these risks, the report calls for a responsible AI ecosystem grounded in transparency, efficiency by design, equity and #EnvironmentalJustice, lifecycle responsibility, global cooperation, and sustainable use. By making AI’s carbon, water, and land footprints visible and comparable, the report provides a practical basis for integrating AI into energy, climate, water, and land-use planning, ensuring that innovation advances without shifting environmental costs onto vulnerable communities."
Download PDF:
https://unu.edu/inweh/collection/environmental-cost-of-AIs-Enrgy-Use-Carbon-water-and-land-footprints#AIBoom #Electricity #Hyperscale #BigTech #BigData #CarbonFootprint #EnvironmentalRacism #EnvironmentalDegradation #NoisePollution #LightPollution #WaterIsLife #AIAgents #BotTraffic #GreenSpaces #Farmland #Prairies #Woodland #TechGiants #ProtectNature #NoDatacenters #EnergyConsumption #USPol #WorldPol #Datacentres
#DatacenterMoratoriums -
The #EnvironmentalCost of #ArtificialIntelligence: #Carbon, #Water, and #LandFootprints
#AI’s rapid growth drives huge energy, water, and land use, raising environmental and equity challenges across its global infrastructure.
Date Published 3 Jun 2026
UNU-INWEH Report: Aczel, M., Chamanara, S., Matin, M., Farsi, A., Marwala, T., Madani, K. (2026).
"This report, Environmental Cost of Artificial Intelligence: Carbon, Water and Land Footprints, by the #UnitedNationsUniversity Institute for Water, Environment and Health (#UNU-#INWEH) on its 30th anniversary, examines one of the most underexplored consequences of AI’s rapid expansion: the environmental footprints of the energy required to power it. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in economies, public services, research, communication, and everyday life, it depends on a growing physical infrastructure of #datacenters, advanced #chips, #CoolingSystems, #ElectricityGrids, #WaterResources, land, and #CriticalMineral supply chains. The report shows that AI is not only a digital technology, but also a material system with measurable #EnvironmentalCosts.
"The report moves beyond a carbon-only lens by quantifying the carbon, water, and land footprints associated with the electricity used to train, deploy, and operate AI systems at scale. Its central finding is that AI’s environmental costs depend not only on how much electricity is used, but also on where that electricity is generated and which energy sources power it. Every kilowatt-hour used by AI carries carbon, water, and land implications, and these footprints do not always move in the same direction: low-carbon electricity is not automatically low-water or low-land. The report also shows that AI’s footprint is shaped by both major infrastructure trends, including the rapid growth of data centers, and everyday use patterns, including model choice, output length, modality, and the growing use of text, image, and video generation.
"Importantly, the report frames AI’s environmental footprint as a governance and justice challenge, not only a technical problem. The benefits of AI often flow across borders and sectors, while the environmental burdens of data center siting, electricity demand, water withdrawals, #LandUse, MineralExtraction, and #EWaste can be concentrated in specific communities and regions. To address these risks, the report calls for a responsible AI ecosystem grounded in transparency, efficiency by design, equity and #EnvironmentalJustice, lifecycle responsibility, global cooperation, and sustainable use. By making AI’s carbon, water, and land footprints visible and comparable, the report provides a practical basis for integrating AI into energy, climate, water, and land-use planning, ensuring that innovation advances without shifting environmental costs onto vulnerable communities."
Download PDF:
https://unu.edu/inweh/collection/environmental-cost-of-AIs-Enrgy-Use-Carbon-water-and-land-footprints#AIBoom #Electricity #Hyperscale #BigTech #BigData #CarbonFootprint #EnvironmentalRacism #EnvironmentalDegradation #NoisePollution #LightPollution #WaterIsLife #AIAgents #BotTraffic #GreenSpaces #Farmland #Prairies #Woodland #TechGiants #ProtectNature #NoDatacenters #EnergyConsumption #USPol #WorldPol #Datacentres
#DatacenterMoratoriums -
The #AI boom is gobbling up power faster than ever
By Hannah Beckler, June 7, 2026
Excerpt: "The data center boom is accelerating.
"A Business Insider analysis of US data center permits reveals a staggering escalation in data center power use. Data centers across the US are growing in number and in size. If all data centers permitted through 2025 come online, they will use between 224.3 terawatt-hours and 358.8 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, an increase of 50% over the previous year across the range, Business Insider's analysis found.
"At the midpoint, that's more than all the #electricity used by any one US state in 2024, except Texas.
"The vast majority of this power use is driven by #hyperscale data centers, mammoth facilities that use 40 megawatts or more each, Business Insider estimates.
"#TechGiants have an insatiable appetite for more computing power to fund their AI ambitions. In 2025, permits were issued for 176 new data centers across 34 states — the most new permits in one year since the first was issued in 1976, Business Insider found. Many of them are mammoth facilities destined for rural areas — enormous complexes blanketing #prairies, #GreenSpaces, and #farmland.
"#AmazonCorp's planned 14-building data center complex in #RidgelandMS, would transform nearly 800 acres of rural #woodland. In the village of #MountPleasantWI, Microsoft's nine data center buildings would command a collective footprint of over 5.2 million square feet built on a property nearly the size of New York City's Central Park, according to planning documents. And just outside #EagleMountainOT, #QTS — one of the nation's biggest data center operators — is building one that is expected to demand between 1.9 and 3 terawatt-hours a year once fully online, according to Business Insider's estimate. On average, that's the same amount of electricity used by 227,000 US homes.
"The race by tech companies to reach ever-greater AI ambitions has sparked a sweeping backlash from local residents and state and local officials wary of #Datacenter impacts on the #environment, economy, and #communities. And development-friendly lawmakers could face a reckoning in this year's #midterms, in which data centers are emerging as a key issue for many voters."
https://www.businessinsider.com/us-ai-data-center-power-electricity-use-consumption-2026-6
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/hJXeS#NoDatacenters #AIBoom #EnergyConsumption #NoisePollution #LightPollution #WaterIsLife #USPol #USMidTerms #Elections2026 #Datacentres #DatacenterMoratoriums #BigData #BigTech
-
The #AI boom is gobbling up power faster than ever
By Hannah Beckler, June 7, 2026
Excerpt: "The data center boom is accelerating.
"A Business Insider analysis of US data center permits reveals a staggering escalation in data center power use. Data centers across the US are growing in number and in size. If all data centers permitted through 2025 come online, they will use between 224.3 terawatt-hours and 358.8 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, an increase of 50% over the previous year across the range, Business Insider's analysis found.
"At the midpoint, that's more than all the #electricity used by any one US state in 2024, except Texas.
"The vast majority of this power use is driven by #hyperscale data centers, mammoth facilities that use 40 megawatts or more each, Business Insider estimates.
"#TechGiants have an insatiable appetite for more computing power to fund their AI ambitions. In 2025, permits were issued for 176 new data centers across 34 states — the most new permits in one year since the first was issued in 1976, Business Insider found. Many of them are mammoth facilities destined for rural areas — enormous complexes blanketing #prairies, #GreenSpaces, and #farmland.
"#AmazonCorp's planned 14-building data center complex in #RidgelandMS, would transform nearly 800 acres of rural #woodland. In the village of #MountPleasantWI, Microsoft's nine data center buildings would command a collective footprint of over 5.2 million square feet built on a property nearly the size of New York City's Central Park, according to planning documents. And just outside #EagleMountainOT, #QTS — one of the nation's biggest data center operators — is building one that is expected to demand between 1.9 and 3 terawatt-hours a year once fully online, according to Business Insider's estimate. On average, that's the same amount of electricity used by 227,000 US homes.
"The race by tech companies to reach ever-greater AI ambitions has sparked a sweeping backlash from local residents and state and local officials wary of #Datacenter impacts on the #environment, economy, and #communities. And development-friendly lawmakers could face a reckoning in this year's #midterms, in which data centers are emerging as a key issue for many voters."
https://www.businessinsider.com/us-ai-data-center-power-electricity-use-consumption-2026-6
Archived version:
https://archive.ph/hJXeS#NoDatacenters #AIBoom #EnergyConsumption #NoisePollution #LightPollution #WaterIsLife #USPol #USMidTerms #Elections2026 #Datacentres #DatacenterMoratoriums #BigData #BigTech
-
Texas Tribune: Texas county rescinds its data center moratorium after $100 million lawsuit from developer. “A rural North Texas county that appears to be the first in the state to pass a data center moratorium has rescinded the measure after being sued by a developer for $100 million in damages.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/06/06/texas-tribune-texas-county-rescinds-its-data-center-moratorium-after-100-million-lawsuit-from-developer/ -
Texas Tribune: Texas county rescinds its data center moratorium after $100 million lawsuit from developer. “A rural North Texas county that appears to be the first in the state to pass a data center moratorium has rescinded the measure after being sued by a developer for $100 million in damages.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/06/06/texas-tribune-texas-county-rescinds-its-data-center-moratorium-after-100-million-lawsuit-from-developer/ -
The Nevada Independent: Reno extends its data center moratorium into 2027. Here’s what happens next.. “City of Reno staff are planning to cast a wide net in proposing regulation changes for data centers after the city council voted 6-1 on Monday to extend a temporary moratorium on the centers through August 2027.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/06/04/the-nevada-independent-reno-extends-its-data-center-moratorium-into-2027-heres-what-happens-next/ -
The Nevada Independent: Reno extends its data center moratorium into 2027. Here’s what happens next.. “City of Reno staff are planning to cast a wide net in proposing regulation changes for data centers after the city council voted 6-1 on Monday to extend a temporary moratorium on the centers through August 2027.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/06/04/the-nevada-independent-reno-extends-its-data-center-moratorium-into-2027-heres-what-happens-next/ -
#Maine - Democratic Governor Candidates Break with Mills on Data Centers
Four out of five candidates running to replace #JanetMills said she was wrong to veto a temporary moratorium.
By Alex Seitz-Wald, April 28, 2026
"Four of the five Democrats running to replace Gov. Janet Mills said she was wrong to veto a first-in-the-nation moratorium on large data center construction at candidate forum moderated by the #MidcoastVillager Saturday.
All but one candidate on the June 9 primary ballot — clean energy executive #AngusKingIII — said they support the temporary moratorium, citing data centers' potential impacts on electricity rates, water usage and limited job creation, among other concerns.
"Mills, locked in a Democratic U.S. Senate primary against oyster farmer Graham Platner, said she largely supports the goals of #LD307. But in her veto message, she said felt compelled to nix the ban because it could have killed a proposed $550 million data center to a former mill complex in #JayME. [Mills has since dropped out of the race]
"At the forum, sponsored by the Knox and Lincoln County Democratic Parties at Watts Hall, the Democrats looking to replace Mills said the Jay project was not worth the sacrifice of the entire moratorium.
" 'I think the governor’s veto on Friday was unfortunate,' said former Maine House Speaker #HannahPingree, who left a top role in Mills administration ahead of her run for governor. 'We have seen in Virginia and in Texas, the kind of significant damage that these centers have been doing. And I think it's incredibly urgent that Maines passes the moratorium and then we put the kind of guardrail in place that will protect Maine people, protect our environment, but especially protect rate payers.'
"Dr. #NiravShah, the former head of the Maine Centers for Disease Control who is seen as frontrunner in the primary, said data centers do not create enough jobs to outweigh their potential negative impacts.
" 'I think Governor Mills's veto was in error, and I would have signed the legislation had I been governor,' Shah said. 'If we are going to have data centers in Maine — and that’s a big if, I want to be clear — then my general approach is let's do it, right, not do it fast. If we are going to do it. And right now, there are just too many unanswered questions about the impact of data centers on rural electricity rates, which are already high enough. On our water use, which is a precious resource. And on our health.'
"Secretary of State #ShennaBellows was more blunt, calling data centers 'a #boondoggle perpetrated by #CryptoBillionaires who are gobbling up everything in sight.' She said the moratorium is 'prudent' and that the legislature had constructed it thoughtfully.
"Former Maine Senate President #TroyJackson, who is closely aligned with labor unions, said he supports development that creates good-paying jobs — but does not see data centers as delivering on that promise.
" 'It's a false narrative what she’s telling us about jobs,' Jackson said of Mills' justification for the veto.
"Pointing to a pin on his lapel for a local electrician union, Jackson said: 'There's a lot of #UnionWorkers that are electricians in the state that do want jobs, but not really those jobs.'
"And Jackson, who clashed with Mills at times when he led the upper chamber of the Legislature, said Mills should have found another way to protect the Jay project. 'I would have signed that bill and I think the governor should have gotten involved way, way before to try to make her points known or at least come up with a compromise,' Jackson said.
"King, the son of independent U.S. Sen. Angus King and the only candidate not to back the moratorium outright, declined to say whether he would have signed the bill. When pressed, he called the question a 'hypothetical' and argued the measure would not have passed as written if he were governor."Archived version:
https://archive.ph/8gpML#MainePol #Datacenters #DatacenterMoratoriums #MaineCandidates
-
#Maine - Democratic Governor Candidates Break with Mills on Data Centers
Four out of five candidates running to replace #JanetMills said she was wrong to veto a temporary moratorium.
By Alex Seitz-Wald, April 28, 2026
"Four of the five Democrats running to replace Gov. Janet Mills said she was wrong to veto a first-in-the-nation moratorium on large data center construction at candidate forum moderated by the #MidcoastVillager Saturday.
All but one candidate on the June 9 primary ballot — clean energy executive #AngusKingIII — said they support the temporary moratorium, citing data centers' potential impacts on electricity rates, water usage and limited job creation, among other concerns.
"Mills, locked in a Democratic U.S. Senate primary against oyster farmer Graham Platner, said she largely supports the goals of #LD307. But in her veto message, she said felt compelled to nix the ban because it could have killed a proposed $550 million data center to a former mill complex in #JayME. [Mills has since dropped out of the race]
"At the forum, sponsored by the Knox and Lincoln County Democratic Parties at Watts Hall, the Democrats looking to replace Mills said the Jay project was not worth the sacrifice of the entire moratorium.
" 'I think the governor’s veto on Friday was unfortunate,' said former Maine House Speaker #HannahPingree, who left a top role in Mills administration ahead of her run for governor. 'We have seen in Virginia and in Texas, the kind of significant damage that these centers have been doing. And I think it's incredibly urgent that Maines passes the moratorium and then we put the kind of guardrail in place that will protect Maine people, protect our environment, but especially protect rate payers.'
"Dr. #NiravShah, the former head of the Maine Centers for Disease Control who is seen as frontrunner in the primary, said data centers do not create enough jobs to outweigh their potential negative impacts.
" 'I think Governor Mills's veto was in error, and I would have signed the legislation had I been governor,' Shah said. 'If we are going to have data centers in Maine — and that’s a big if, I want to be clear — then my general approach is let's do it, right, not do it fast. If we are going to do it. And right now, there are just too many unanswered questions about the impact of data centers on rural electricity rates, which are already high enough. On our water use, which is a precious resource. And on our health.'
"Secretary of State #ShennaBellows was more blunt, calling data centers 'a #boondoggle perpetrated by #CryptoBillionaires who are gobbling up everything in sight.' She said the moratorium is 'prudent' and that the legislature had constructed it thoughtfully.
"Former Maine Senate President #TroyJackson, who is closely aligned with labor unions, said he supports development that creates good-paying jobs — but does not see data centers as delivering on that promise.
" 'It's a false narrative what she’s telling us about jobs,' Jackson said of Mills' justification for the veto.
"Pointing to a pin on his lapel for a local electrician union, Jackson said: 'There's a lot of #UnionWorkers that are electricians in the state that do want jobs, but not really those jobs.'
"And Jackson, who clashed with Mills at times when he led the upper chamber of the Legislature, said Mills should have found another way to protect the Jay project. 'I would have signed that bill and I think the governor should have gotten involved way, way before to try to make her points known or at least come up with a compromise,' Jackson said.
"King, the son of independent U.S. Sen. Angus King and the only candidate not to back the moratorium outright, declined to say whether he would have signed the bill. When pressed, he called the question a 'hypothetical' and argued the measure would not have passed as written if he were governor."Archived version:
https://archive.ph/8gpML#MainePol #Datacenters #DatacenterMoratoriums #MaineCandidates
-
New Jersey Monitor: Gov. Sherrill seeks limits on data center construction. “Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Wednesday that she backs legislation that would regulate data centers and seeks to implement new policies aimed at limiting the industry, which has faced opposition here in New Jersey and nationwide.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/05/28/new-jersey-monitor-gov-sherrill-seeks-limits-on-data-center-construction/ -
New Jersey Monitor: Gov. Sherrill seeks limits on data center construction. “Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Wednesday that she backs legislation that would regulate data centers and seeks to implement new policies aimed at limiting the industry, which has faced opposition here in New Jersey and nationwide.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/05/28/new-jersey-monitor-gov-sherrill-seeks-limits-on-data-center-construction/ -
Spent some time at the #CommunityGarden today. Planted some #BlackBeans and #Potatoes, and pulled up some weeds (the flowers should be popping up after all that rain). Had a cool conversation with my neighbor who is a selectboard member and who helped get the garden going again, and told him what a great job he is doing. I mean, #composters, #rainbarrels, making the #CommunityCenter an #EmergencyShelter, supporting #DatacenterMoratoriums and #SmartGrowth. What more could one ask for in a town rep!
#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #GrowYourOwnFood #GYO
-
Spent some time at the #CommunityGarden today. Planted some #BlackBeans and #Potatoes, and pulled up some weeds (the flowers should be popping up after all that rain). Had a cool conversation with my neighbor who is a selectboard member and who helped get the garden going again, and told him what a great job he is doing. I mean, #composters, #rainbarrels, making the #CommunityCenter an #EmergencyShelter, supporting #DatacenterMoratoriums and #SmartGrowth. What more could one ask for in a town rep!
#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #GrowYourOwnFood #GYO
-
#Maine municipal leaders to vote on #DatacenterMoratoriums amid concerns
by Brad Rogers,WGME
Wed, May 20, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Updated Thu, May 21, 2026 at 5:33 AMSCARBOROUGH, Maine (WGME) -- "New massive data centers are being proposed in #ScarboroughME, #SanfordME, #JayME and other Maine communities, raising concerns among some Mainers in those communities.
"A developer wants to build the #ScarboroughTechnologyPark — a 140,000-square-foot data center with supporting infrastructure on 52 acres west of the Maine Turnpike and north of #TwoRodRoad.
"Town leaders in Scarborough say they need time to study the impacts of the proposed project, while some neighbors are already voicing opposition.
" 'This is a pretty quiet neighborhood, and it’s going to just destroy the neighborhood and the property values,' said Warren Hamilton, who opposes the #datacenter planned behind his home."
#ResistBigData #MaineResists
#MainePol #DatacentersSuck #Datacenters #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks -
#Maine municipal leaders to vote on #DatacenterMoratoriums amid concerns
by Brad Rogers,WGME
Wed, May 20, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Updated Thu, May 21, 2026 at 5:33 AMSCARBOROUGH, Maine (WGME) -- "New massive data centers are being proposed in #ScarboroughME, #SanfordME, #JayME and other Maine communities, raising concerns among some Mainers in those communities.
"A developer wants to build the #ScarboroughTechnologyPark — a 140,000-square-foot data center with supporting infrastructure on 52 acres west of the Maine Turnpike and north of #TwoRodRoad.
"Town leaders in Scarborough say they need time to study the impacts of the proposed project, while some neighbors are already voicing opposition.
" 'This is a pretty quiet neighborhood, and it’s going to just destroy the neighborhood and the property values,' said Warren Hamilton, who opposes the #datacenter planned behind his home."
#ResistBigData #MaineResists
#MainePol #DatacentersSuck #Datacenters #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks -
#BrunswickME considers pause on #datacenter proposals
There will be a public hearing on the proposed moratorium on June 1.
by Katie Langley, Posted May 19, 2026, Updated May 20
"Brunswick is among several Maine municipalities considering moratoriums on large-scale data centers after Gov. #JanetMills vetoed a bill that would have temporarily restricted such developments.
"At a Monday night meeting, Brunswick’s town councilors set a June 1 public hearing on the proposed moratorium. If passed, the moratorium would give the town 180 days to gather information on the impact of data centers and set regulations on their development.
"The drafted moratorium closely mirrors other temporary policies being considered in towns and cities including #WestbrookME, which uses the same law firm as Brunswick.
"Town councilors on Monday removed a section in the draft moratorium that defined data centers as having a gross floor area of at least 10,000 square feet or electrical capacities of at least 20 megawatts. Instead, data center projects with an electrical capacity of 1 megawatt or more would be prohibited during the moratorium period.
"Brunswick has an existing, smaller-scale data center on #BrunswickLanding, owned by internet company #FirstLight, that town leaders have said has not been an issue and does not store artificial intelligence data.
"Town Manager Julia Henze said Monday night that there are no proposals for data centers on the horizon for Brunswick, but a moratorium would give the council time to update town ordinances and be prepared for such projects.
"Other municipalities, including #SanfordME and #ScarboroughME, are considering data center moratoriums in response to already proposed projects."
Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/05/20/brunswick-considers-pause-on-data-center-proposals/Archived version:
https://archive.md/tt3nk#ResistBigData #MaineResists
#MainePol #DatacenterMoratoriums #DatacentersSuck #Datacenters #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks -
#BrunswickME considers pause on #datacenter proposals
There will be a public hearing on the proposed moratorium on June 1.
by Katie Langley, Posted May 19, 2026, Updated May 20
"Brunswick is among several Maine municipalities considering moratoriums on large-scale data centers after Gov. #JanetMills vetoed a bill that would have temporarily restricted such developments.
"At a Monday night meeting, Brunswick’s town councilors set a June 1 public hearing on the proposed moratorium. If passed, the moratorium would give the town 180 days to gather information on the impact of data centers and set regulations on their development.
"The drafted moratorium closely mirrors other temporary policies being considered in towns and cities including #WestbrookME, which uses the same law firm as Brunswick.
"Town councilors on Monday removed a section in the draft moratorium that defined data centers as having a gross floor area of at least 10,000 square feet or electrical capacities of at least 20 megawatts. Instead, data center projects with an electrical capacity of 1 megawatt or more would be prohibited during the moratorium period.
"Brunswick has an existing, smaller-scale data center on #BrunswickLanding, owned by internet company #FirstLight, that town leaders have said has not been an issue and does not store artificial intelligence data.
"Town Manager Julia Henze said Monday night that there are no proposals for data centers on the horizon for Brunswick, but a moratorium would give the council time to update town ordinances and be prepared for such projects.
"Other municipalities, including #SanfordME and #ScarboroughME, are considering data center moratoriums in response to already proposed projects."
Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2026/05/20/brunswick-considers-pause-on-data-center-proposals/Archived version:
https://archive.md/tt3nk#ResistBigData #MaineResists
#MainePol #DatacenterMoratoriums #DatacentersSuck #Datacenters #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks -
#Arkansas Advocate: Arkansas Explained -- Understanding the #Datacenter boom and debate
by Ainsley Platt, Arkansas Advocate May 23, 2026
"Hailed by officials and economic developers as a boon to the state, data center projects heading to Arkansas are facing increasing scrutiny and calls for local regulations.
"Since an overhaul of energy permitting laws credited with luring more data centers was enacted last year, companies have announced plans for five such projects statewide. Two of them are already under construction.
"But the rapid announcements and #secretive negotiations with local governments and business chambers have prompted an outcry from some #Arkansans. Reassurances from utilities that costs won’t be shifted to existing customers haven’t assuaged fears.
[...]
"In central Arkansas, residents opposed to #datacenters crowded into board rooms in #ConwayAK and #LittleRockAK, while many more commented on social media videos and posts expressing their dismay over data center projects.
"Momentum for regulations on data centers is also picking up in Arkansas’ most-populous county, even after the Pulaski County Quorum Court voted to send proposed regulations to the county planning department for a 90-day review.
"Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. who stood with supporters at a press conference last week, announced his support Tuesday for data center regulations.
"Wendell Griffen, the Democratic nominee for Pulaski County’s top elected position who wrote Pulaski County’s proposed regulations, has made data center regulation a central part of his campaign. Griffen has pushed for the quorum court to enact an emergency moratorium."
#ArkansasPol #DatacenterMoratoriums #ResistBigData #MaineResists
#DatacentersSuck #Datacenters #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks -
#Arkansas Advocate: Arkansas Explained -- Understanding the #Datacenter boom and debate
by Ainsley Platt, Arkansas Advocate May 23, 2026
"Hailed by officials and economic developers as a boon to the state, data center projects heading to Arkansas are facing increasing scrutiny and calls for local regulations.
"Since an overhaul of energy permitting laws credited with luring more data centers was enacted last year, companies have announced plans for five such projects statewide. Two of them are already under construction.
"But the rapid announcements and #secretive negotiations with local governments and business chambers have prompted an outcry from some #Arkansans. Reassurances from utilities that costs won’t be shifted to existing customers haven’t assuaged fears.
[...]
"In central Arkansas, residents opposed to #datacenters crowded into board rooms in #ConwayAK and #LittleRockAK, while many more commented on social media videos and posts expressing their dismay over data center projects.
"Momentum for regulations on data centers is also picking up in Arkansas’ most-populous county, even after the Pulaski County Quorum Court voted to send proposed regulations to the county planning department for a 90-day review.
"Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. who stood with supporters at a press conference last week, announced his support Tuesday for data center regulations.
"Wendell Griffen, the Democratic nominee for Pulaski County’s top elected position who wrote Pulaski County’s proposed regulations, has made data center regulation a central part of his campaign. Griffen has pushed for the quorum court to enact an emergency moratorium."
#ArkansasPol #DatacenterMoratoriums #ResistBigData #MaineResists
#DatacentersSuck #Datacenters #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks -
#WestbrookME considers moratorium on #AIDataCenters as debate grows across #Maine
Story by Drew Peters, 5/18/2026
"The Westbrook City Council is expected to decide Monday whether to temporarily halt new #Datacenter development as communities across Maine continue weighing the benefits and risks tied to the growing artificial intelligence industry.
"The proposal would create a 180-day moratorium on new data center projects in Westbrook. City leaders said the pause would give officials time to update ordinances and better understand how large-scale facilities could impact the city’s electric grid, water supply, and taxpayers.
"The discussion comes as Maine communities increasingly debate the future of AI-related infrastructure. Last month, Gov. #JanetMills vetoed a bill that would have imposed a statewide moratorium on data centers.
" 'This is a subject that has the potential to destroy our community,' Westbrook resident Marnie Ward said ahead of the meeting.
"Ward said she has followed reports of data center development in other parts of the country and worries promises made by developers may not always be fulfilled.
" 'Places where companies have promised to put in things like their own electrical generation and they don’t do it,' Ward said.
"She questioned whether the economic benefits outweigh the environmental and infrastructure costs.
" 'What’s the benefit, and does the benefit of having one of these data centers outweigh the costs it’s going to be?' Ward said.
"Mayor David Morse said the proposed moratorium is intended to help the city prepare before a project proposal arrives."
#ResistBigData #MaineResists
#MainePol #DatacenterMoratoriums #DatacentersSuck #Datacenters #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks -
#WestbrookME considers moratorium on #AIDataCenters as debate grows across #Maine
Story by Drew Peters, 5/18/2026
"The Westbrook City Council is expected to decide Monday whether to temporarily halt new #Datacenter development as communities across Maine continue weighing the benefits and risks tied to the growing artificial intelligence industry.
"The proposal would create a 180-day moratorium on new data center projects in Westbrook. City leaders said the pause would give officials time to update ordinances and better understand how large-scale facilities could impact the city’s electric grid, water supply, and taxpayers.
"The discussion comes as Maine communities increasingly debate the future of AI-related infrastructure. Last month, Gov. #JanetMills vetoed a bill that would have imposed a statewide moratorium on data centers.
" 'This is a subject that has the potential to destroy our community,' Westbrook resident Marnie Ward said ahead of the meeting.
"Ward said she has followed reports of data center development in other parts of the country and worries promises made by developers may not always be fulfilled.
" 'Places where companies have promised to put in things like their own electrical generation and they don’t do it,' Ward said.
"She questioned whether the economic benefits outweigh the environmental and infrastructure costs.
" 'What’s the benefit, and does the benefit of having one of these data centers outweigh the costs it’s going to be?' Ward said.
"Mayor David Morse said the proposed moratorium is intended to help the city prepare before a project proposal arrives."
#ResistBigData #MaineResists
#MainePol #DatacenterMoratoriums #DatacentersSuck #Datacenters #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks -
#JanetMills vetoed a #DataCenter pause. Towns are looking to pass their own.
At least four municipalities have proposed their own moratoriums on new data center development while they refine local regulations.
by Daniel Kool, May 18, 2026
"Without a statewide moratorium on large data center development, a patchwork of local laws appears to be forming in #Maine.
"Weeks after Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill to temporarily restrict permitting for new data centers of 20 megawatts or more, at least four towns and cities are considering enacting their own moratoriums. The local pauses are designed to give officials time to review their zoning rules and develop new regulations for large data centers — should they ever come to town.
"Some, like those in Sanford and Scarborough, come as developers have already proposed building data centers in town. Others, like in Brunswick and Westbrook, are designed to get ahead of potential data center construction. All four communities plan to discuss their proposals at meetings this week.
"Though these local proposals have taken on new urgency in a lieu of a broader moratorium, they are not the first of their kind. The Bangor City Council unanimously passed a city-wide pause in April, days before Mills shot down the statewide effort. Anne Krieg, the town’s director of development, said they 'didn’t want to wait for the state,' as development pressure mounted."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/gSis4#ResistBigData #MaineResists #MainePol #DatacenterMoratoriums #BangorME #ScarboroughME #SanfordME #BrunswickME #WestbrookME #DatacentersSuck #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks
-
#JanetMills vetoed a #DataCenter pause. Towns are looking to pass their own.
At least four municipalities have proposed their own moratoriums on new data center development while they refine local regulations.
by Daniel Kool, May 18, 2026
"Without a statewide moratorium on large data center development, a patchwork of local laws appears to be forming in #Maine.
"Weeks after Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a bill to temporarily restrict permitting for new data centers of 20 megawatts or more, at least four towns and cities are considering enacting their own moratoriums. The local pauses are designed to give officials time to review their zoning rules and develop new regulations for large data centers — should they ever come to town.
"Some, like those in Sanford and Scarborough, come as developers have already proposed building data centers in town. Others, like in Brunswick and Westbrook, are designed to get ahead of potential data center construction. All four communities plan to discuss their proposals at meetings this week.
"Though these local proposals have taken on new urgency in a lieu of a broader moratorium, they are not the first of their kind. The Bangor City Council unanimously passed a city-wide pause in April, days before Mills shot down the statewide effort. Anne Krieg, the town’s director of development, said they 'didn’t want to wait for the state,' as development pressure mounted."
Archived version:
https://archive.md/gSis4#ResistBigData #MaineResists #MainePol #DatacenterMoratoriums #BangorME #ScarboroughME #SanfordME #BrunswickME #WestbrookME #DatacentersSuck #NoisePollution #WaterIsLife #EnergyConsumption #AISucks
-
Spectrum News: City of Cleveland joins growing list of communities considering data center moratoriums. “The City of Cleveland is joining a growing list of Ohio communities that are considering or passing data center moratoriums.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/05/24/spectrum-news-city-of-cleveland-joins-growing-list-of-communities-considering-data-center-moratoriums/ -
Spectrum News: City of Cleveland joins growing list of communities considering data center moratoriums. “The City of Cleveland is joining a growing list of Ohio communities that are considering or passing data center moratoriums.”
https://rbfirehose.com/2026/05/24/spectrum-news-city-of-cleveland-joins-growing-list-of-communities-considering-data-center-moratoriums/