Maine nearly became the first state to ban data centers
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This story is part of The State of Science, a series featuring science stories from public media journalists across the United States.
Editor’s note: This page has been updated to reflect the governor’s veto of the moratorium on data center construction on April 24.
Data centers make controversial neighbors: They’re loud, they use a lot of water, and can drive electricity prices up. Following public concern and organizing efforts, Maine was on the precipice of banning data center construction for the next 18 months. Governor Janet Mills vetoed the ban on April 24.
Joining Flora to talk about real changes communities can advocate for in regards to data centers are Pete McGuire, climate reporter at Maine Public, and Lauren Keeler, director of ASU’s Just Energy Transition Center.
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Segment Guests
Peter McGuire
Peter McGuire is a climate reporter at Maine Public.
Lauren Keeler
Dr. Lauren Keeler is an associate professor and director of the Just Energy Transition Center at Arizona State University.
Segment Transcript
The transcript is being processed. It will be available 2-3 days after this story’s publication date.
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