Lawmakers' vote fails to override Gov. Mills' veto on data center moratorium

Maine lawmakers were unable to override Governor Janet Mills' veto of LD 307, a bill that sought to implement a temporary ban on the development of large data centers across the state. The vote in the House chamber was 72 to 65, falling short of the two-thirds majority required to overturn a gubernatorial veto. Most Democrats supported the override, citing concerns over potential environmental impacts, particularly on fresh water resources, and the risk of increased energy costs. They also argued that municipalities needed more time to establish their own regulations for data center projects. Conversely, Republicans largely voted to sustain the governor's veto, emphasizing the potential for job creation and tax revenue, especially in rural communities struggling economically, such as Millinocket. Governor Mills herself had voiced concerns that the bill lacked an exemption for a proposed data center project at the former Androscoggin paper mill in Jay. Trevor Dwyan, a Jay native and House candidate, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, believing it keeps economic opportunities open for his hometown while still advocating for future guardrails on development. In a related move on the same day, Governor Mills signed an executive order to establish a data center advisory council. This council will be tasked with developing recommendations for large-scale data centers, aiming to protect ratepayers and minimize environmental impacts.