Data center bans don’t protect communities. They paralyze them
Maine's Governor vetoed a proposed statewide ban on large data centers, which would have been the first of its kind in the U.S. Similar bans are being considered in at least 11 other states, driven by concerns over electricity costs and environmental impacts. However, critics argue that such blanket bans could harm communities by freezing beneficial projects that could stimulate local economies.
- ▪Maine's Governor vetoed a ban on large data centers, which would have been the first statewide prohibition in the U.S.
- ▪At least 11 other states are considering similar bans amid concerns over rising electricity costs and environmental harm.
- ▪Critics argue that a blanket moratorium could freeze beneficial projects that stimulate local economies.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Governor of Maine vetoed what would have become the nation’s first statewide ban on the construction of large data centers. At least 11 other states have introduced similar bills this session. In Washington, D.C., Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have introduced a bill to freeze all new data center construction nationwide. The sponsors say they want to protect communities from rising electricity costs, environmental harm, and unchecked corporate power. The impulse is understandable, but a blanket moratorium would harm the communities it was supposed to protect.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
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