Lawmakers debate moratorium on data centers

Maine lawmakers are currently debating a bill, LD 307, which proposes a temporary moratorium on new data center development and the creation of a review council to establish new regulations. The discussion at the State House in Augusta follows increasing community pushback against data centers statewide, including two projects in Lewiston and West Cassett that have reportedly "fallen apart" due to local opposition. The bill features two drafts. One, supported by Democrats, calls for a strict pause on all new data centers exceeding 20 megawatts until the regulatory council completes its work. Republican Senator Matt Harrington of York County has introduced an alternative draft that would allow certain "qualifying" data center projects to be exempt from the moratorium. Harrington's district has a data center plan that could benefit from this exemption, as could a project underway at an old paper mill in Jay. The bill's sponsor expressed concerns about Maine's environment and ratepayers, emphasizing the need for a consistent regulatory framework for all projects. Opponents argue that a moratorium would effectively "kill" planned data center projects. The bill was recently tabled in the House and is awaiting a potential vote.