Maine Governor Vetoes Statewide Data Center Moratorium Bill
Original: Maine’s governor vetoes data center moratorium
Why This Matters
First potential statewide data center moratorium reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of AI infrastructure expansion
Maine Governor Janet Mills vetoed L.D. 307, which would have imposed the country's first statewide data center moratorium until November 2027. Mills cited lack of exemption for a locally supported project in Jay as reason for veto.
The vetoed bill would have halted new data center permits statewide and created a 13-person council to study data center construction impacts. Mills, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate, said she would have signed the bill if it included an exemption for a data center project in Jay that has strong local community support. The governor acknowledged that pausing new data centers would be appropriate given environmental and electricity rate impacts seen in other states. Bill sponsor Melanie Sachs warned the veto poses significant consequences for ratepayers, the electric grid, environment, and energy future. Similar moratoriums are being considered in other states like New York amid rising public opposition to data centers.