Maine advisory council begins reviewing impacts of data centers
A newly formed statewide Data Center Advisory Council in Maine has begun reviewing the potential impacts of data centers on the state's environment, energy grid, and communities. The council was established by Gov. Janet Mills after she vetoed a bill that would have imposed a temporary statewide moratorium on new data center development. It is tasked with evaluating policy options and recommending legislative actions by early 2027.
A statewide Data Center Advisory Council in Maine has commenced its work to study the effects of data centers on local communities, the environment, and the energy grid. The council held its inaugural meeting following Gov. Janet Mills's veto of a bill that would have implemented a temporary statewide moratorium on new data center construction, making Maine the first state to do so.
The 17-member council, comprising representatives from state agencies, electric utilities, and the construction sector, will concentrate on three main areas: environmental impacts, ratepayer and grid impacts, and economic and community development. Celina Cunningham, acting commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources and co-chair of the council, highlighted concerns about increasing electricity demand due to the state's transition to cleaner energy and electrification, necessitating new energy supply and grid capacity considerations.
Additional areas of focus include water usage and discharge, air emissions, workforce opportunities, and the economic benefits and potential effects on existing industries. The council has five more meetings scheduled through October and is expected to submit its final report and policy recommendations to the governor and the Maine Legislature by January 29, 2027.