Maine Lawmakers Fail to Override Veto on AI Data Center Moratorium; Governor Establishes Advisory Council

Maine lawmakers failed to override Governor Janet Mills' veto of a temporary moratorium on large AI data centers during "Veto Day" at the State House. The proposed moratorium specifically targeted a large AI data center planned for a former paper mill in Jay. Despite impassioned pleas from House Democrats, who voiced concerns about limited permanent jobs, potential environmental impacts, and the need for regulation, the override vote fell short of the two-thirds majority required. Some Republicans, however, sided with Governor Mills, arguing that the data center would bring much-needed jobs and economic opportunities to Jay and the state. Following the failed override, Governor Mills signed an executive order to establish a Data Center Advisory Council. This council is tasked with making recommendations regarding large-scale data center development. The executive order also requires the state's Energy Department and the Public Utilities Commission to identify and implement measures to protect ratepayers from new or increased costs associated with data centers.