Mills unsure whether she’ll sign data center bill

Governor Janet Mills expressed "concern" on Thursday regarding the Maine Legislature's decision not to exempt the town of Jay from a proposed 16-month statewide data center moratorium bill. Speaking after an event in Fairfield, Gov. Mills stated she would read the bill and give it "due consideration" before deciding whether to sign it into law. Mills, a Democrat who is also running for the U.S. Senate, had previously indicated her desire for the legislation to include a carveout for Jay. Town leaders in Jay have urged her to veto the bill or ensure their project can proceed, emphasizing the town's need for jobs after a paper mill closure and arguing that the data center development would not negatively impact electricity prices or water quality. The measure, passed by Democrats in the Legislature earlier in the week, marks Maine as the first state to attempt such a temporary ban on data centers. However, a veto from Governor Mills could jeopardize the effort, unless amendments are made to secure her support. Both the House and Senate are scheduled to return to Augusta on April 29 to address any vetoes issued by the Governor.