A Maine lawmaker, Melanie Sachs, sponsored a bill that would impose a temporary ban on new data centers in her state, allowing it to study their use and impact on jobs and the local economy. Similar temporary bans are being proposed in other states, including New York, South Carolina, Oklahoma and Vermont. Proponents argue these bills are a response to the secretive nature of the industry and its fast-moving and secretive movement. However, critics argue that a state moratorium on data centers could discourage future development and send a signal that the state is closed for business. The Data Center Coalition supports the industry, arguing that it provides significant benefits to states and local communities in the form of local jobs, investment, and tax revenue.