Data centers moratorium bill moves forward in Maine Legislature

The Maine House has given initial approval to a bill that would implement a temporary statewide moratorium on data centers. Sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, the proposed legislation seeks to ensure communities have necessary transparency and a robust regulatory framework is in place before data center expansion. Sachs emphasized the bill's focus on preparing Maine's infrastructure for such facilities. If enacted, the bill mandates the Department of Energy Resources to establish the Maine Data Center Coordination Council. The moratorium would last until November 1, 2027. While Maine currently hosts no data centers, proposals exist, including one at the Jay Mill site. Governor Janet Mills has expressed support for an exemption for the Jay Mill project, noting its planned use of existing infrastructure and anticipated groundbreaking this summer. The bill requires further votes in both legislative chambers before becoming law.