Maine's legislature has passed a bill proposing a halt on new data center construction until November 2027, aiming to develop a regulatory framework to mitigate electricity price hikes. The bill, which has bipartisan support, faces strong opposition from the tech industry, which warns that the pause could hinder Maine's competitiveness in attracting data center investments. The decision now awaits Governor Janet Mills' approval, with her stance potentially influenced by her Senate campaign. Supporters of the bill argue that Maine's high electricity prices necessitate a pause to enhance energy supply and protect residents from further costs. Opponents, however, believe that increased corporate electricity demand could help distribute costs and that current approval processes are adequate to manage risks. Meanwhile, tech giants like Meta, Google, and Microsoft continue to expand their data center operations in other states.