News

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio, Associated Press


Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

The Maine Legislature passed the law earlier this month, with supporters like bill sponsor Rep. Melanie Sachs saying the state needs time to evaluate the impacts on infrastructure and the environment.

The law calls for the creation of a Maine Data Center Coordination Council to study those impacts.

The bill doesn’t apply to data centers with smaller energy footprints.

Gov. Mills said in her veto letter Friday that a moratorium is appropriate, but it would also stall plans for a data center in Jay that she’s supported.

She says the Jay area has been hit hard economically by the closure of the Androscoggin Mill in 2023.

She previously pushed to have the project excluded from the moratorium.

A two-thirds majority in both chambers of the legislature is required to overturn the veto.

Latest Headlines

15 hours ago in Local

Troy Jackson Surges as Maine Democrats’ Likely Senate Pick

Jackson supporters spent the weekend securing hundreds of delegates.

16 hours ago in Local

ICE Agent in Biddeford Shooting Suffered Previous Head Injury

Court filing appears to be raising new question about ICE's vetting and training practices

17 hours ago in Local

Widespread Internet Outage Impacts More Than 20 Maine Towns

Updated

Towns affected by the internet outage range from Bowdoinham to Rockland to Waldoboro.

20 hours ago in Local

Man faces arson charges for allegedly setting fire that destroyed Readfield mobile home

A homeless man was taken into custody in connection with a fire set last week at a Readfield mobile home.

1 day ago in Local

Police searching for missing Rockland man

Police are asking for help locating a missing man from Rockland.