Anti-AI data center sentiment is becoming a political issue

About this episode

The episode discusses the political implications of new data center bans in various states, focusing on Maine's recent legislation.

Lawmakers around the U.S. are moving to restrict data center development. Maine, for example, recently passed what's being called the country's first statewide ban on data centers. The measure would prohibit building any new data centers until late 2027. As of this taping, Maine's governor, Janet Mills, was reportedly still undecided on whether she'd sign the bill. And 13 other states are also considering bans on data center development, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tony Pipa of the Brookings Institution talks more about how much of the pushback has to do with the speed with which data centers are popping up.

People in this episode

Guest: Tony Pipa

Topics covered

• data centers
• politics
• legislation
• technology
• state bans

Keywords

• data centers
• political issue
• Maine
• legislation
• Tony Pipa

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Brookings Institution, National Conference of State Legislatures

Places: Maine, U.S.

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