Data Center Advisory Council to Hold First Public Meeting on June 3rd
The Maine Data Center Advisory Council, established by Gov. Janet Mills' executive order, will hold its first public meeting on June 3, 2026. The council's formation follows Gov. Mills' veto of a controversial data center construction moratorium, which the legislature failed to override. Its purpose is to evaluate policy related to large-scale data centers, focusing on environmental impacts, electric grid reliability, and economic development.
The Maine Data Center Advisory Council, established by an executive order from Gov. Janet Mills, is set to hold its inaugural public meeting on June 3, 2026. The council was formed earlier this year following significant backlash from fellow Democrats over Gov. Mills' decision to veto a bill that would have imposed a moratorium on new data center construction across the state. Although a majority of state representatives voted to overturn her veto, they failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority.
Gov. Mills emphasized the urgent need for the state to plan for the potential impacts of large-scale data centers, citing serious conversations happening both in Maine and nationally. The council's mandate is to examine concerns and provide recommendations that protect Maine's environment and ratepayers, while also facilitating responsible economic development. The advisory body, composed of members from various governmental offices and industries, will evaluate issues with goals including maintaining electric grid reliability, minimizing environmental impacts, and ensuring appropriate economic growth.
Co-Chairs Celina Cunningham, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), and Melanie Loyzim, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), highlighted the council's focus. Cunningham stated that the council will meticulously examine how large-scale data center development could influence energy demand and costs for Maine residents, as well as explore mitigation opportunities. Loyzim added that the council will review existing environmental regulations and identify areas for strengthening safeguards, ensuring public input will shape its recommendations.
Scheduled to meet throughout the year, the council is tasked with delivering a strategic report to the governor and the Maine Legislature by the end of January 2027. The executive order also directs the DOER and the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to actively work on preventing data center development from increasing energy costs for ratepayers. All council meetings will be open to the public.